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The Consequences of UV Radiation in Plants & Animals

UV radiation is a consequence of exposure to the sun or to sun lamps. While exposure to sunlight is necessary to both animal and plant survival, overexposure to sunlight can have detrimental effects on both plant and animal life. Most of the effects of overexposure are permanent and can be treated but may not be able to be completely cured.

  1. Blistering

    • Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun or sun lamps can cause blistering or burning on both plants and animals. The symptoms of blistering on animals include skin sensitivity, redness, blisters and burned skin. Symptoms on plants include discoloration of leaves or stem, lack of moisture and breakage. To correct blistering on animals, the animal should be taken to an area sheltered from the sun until the skin heals. Burn creams may help to relieve some of the discomfort associated with blistering in animals. Plants that are affected should be moved out of the sun and given water with limited sunlight until the plant recovers.

    Sickness

    • Radiation sickness is a common consequence to UV radiation exposure in plants and animals. The symptoms of radiation sickness in animals include physical weakness, nausea, vomiting and skin irritation. Plants that have fallen prey to radiation sickness may exhibit browning or yellowing leaves and a refusal to intake water or other nutrients. An animal or plant that is suffering from UV radiation sickness should be moved out of the sun or away from sun lamps to heal and recover.

    Poisoning

    • A more severe consequence of UV radiation exposure to plants and animals is poisoning. In animals this condition also may be referred to as sun poisoning. This condition occurs due to extreme overexposure to the sun or sun lamps. The signs of sun or UV radiation poisoning in animals include severe burns on the skin, nausea and physical weakness. Symptoms in plants include yellowing or crisping of leaves, and burns or brown marks on the plant. While animals can recover from radiation poisoning, it is very difficult for plants to fully recover.

    Death

    • The most severe consequence of UV radiation exposure to animals and plants is death. This happens only in extreme cases due to prolonged overexposure to the sun or sun lamps, such as a period of several days of continued exposure. Symptoms include blistering or blackening of skin, nausea and vomiting in animals coupled with severe physical weakness in animals. Plants will experience crisping or burns on leaves, discoloration, and will be unable to take water or other nutrients.

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