UV radiation from sunlight causes damage to humans.
Although ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible to the human eye, it has the greatest impact on human skin. Depending on it's wavelength, scientists classify it into ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B and ultraviolet C, states Robert J. MacNeal, MD. These different UV lights have various damaging effects to humans. Protective clothing, hats and sunscreens can help minimize the damage caused by UV light.
Skin Damage
Skin can prematurely age due to UV light exposure. UV light is also responsible for wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, redness and a leathery, rough skin texture, states Robert J. MacNeal, MD. Medium wave UV-B radiation from sunlight poses the greatest risk since it causes the skin burns. Although UV-C radiation due to sunlight is captured in the ozone layer, it can be found in some man-made UV sources, states the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
Genetic Damage
Bonds in DNA can be broken due to UV-B light. This is due to DNA absorbing the energy that occurs from absorbing UV-B light. Although many DNA breakages repair themselves, any genetic damage that remains broken can lead to skin cancer, according to the NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division.
Eye Damage
Research has shown that the likeliness of developing certain cataracts increases with UV radiation, states the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Cataracts form when a loss of transparency in the eye lens causes clouded vision. Cataract development is more likely in populations living at high elevations and lower latitudes, states the NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division. Pterygium involves tissue growth that blocks vision. Skin cancer around the eyes and macula degeneration can also occur.
Immune Suppression
The EPA states that overexposure to the radiation effects of UV light has been found to suppress the human immune system. People of all skin colors can be vulnerable to these effects, which includes immunization response impairment and negative reactions to certain medications.
Cancer
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, states the EPA. Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer and many dermatologists believe there is a link between sunburns as a child and melanoma development later in life. Non-melanoma skin cancers are less deadly, though still cause health problems and disfigurement. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common skin cancer tumors and rarely spread.
Tags: skin cancer, Advanced Supercomputing, Advanced Supercomputing Division, from sunlight, NASA Advanced, NASA Advanced Supercomputing
