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The Sun's Dangers on Humans

Humans are exposed to the sun every day, and sometimes actively seek the sun's rays. Ultraviolet light from the sun can cause a number of problems for humans, both short-term and long-term. The problems stem from the ultraviolet rays the sun emits, referred to as UVA, UVB and UVC, which can cause damage of increasing severity. Protection from the sun is a wise precaution.

  1. Skin Cancer

    • Skin cancer can develop in humans as a result of the sun's ultraviolet rays. UVB rays are the type of ray most commonly associated with melanoma, the severest form of skin cancer. A correlation has been found between being severely burnt by the sun while under the age of 20, and the likelihood of developing melanoma later in life. Skin cancer can be fatal since it can quickly spread to other parts of the body.

    Sunburn

    • Sunburn, caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's rays, is perhaps the most common form of sun-related damage. Symptoms of sunburn include reddened, tight skin, pain and feelings of heat spreading across the affected area. These symptoms typically become worse a few hours after exposure, and chills may develop as well. Wearing sunscreen can help to protect against sunburn, as can finding shade, especially between late morning and late afternoon when the sun is strongest. Sunburn can still easily occur even when clouds obscure the sun or when the day is especially windy.

    Eye Damage

    • Staring directly at the sun can damage the outer layer of the eye, known as the cornea, and this problem can develop into cataracts after lengthened amounts of exposure. Cataracts are a condition in which the eye lens becomes obscured, causing blurred vision. Wearing sunglasses with complete UV protection and avoiding looking directly at the sun are two ways to reduce the risk of eye damage.

    Other Skin Damage

    • Besides skin cancer, sun exposure can have a number of other negative effects on the human skin. For example, skin that is frequently exposed to UVA radiation from the sun is more likely to become discolored over time. Other effects on the skin include skin blotching, yellowing and an increased likelihood of developing wrinkles. Moles on the skin are not necessarily dangerous, but medical advice may be needed if moles become reddened or itchy after prolonged sun exposure, as this could indicate the development of cancer.

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