DANGERS OF LONG EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

UV radiation can be primarily classified into three types based on their wavelengths.This includes ultraviolet A[UVA],ultraviolet B, UVB], and ultraviolet C [UVC].Both UVA and UVB reach the earth and can affect humans but UVA

penetrates deeper into the skin and is more constant throughout the year.

UV radiation has some benefits such as production of vitamin D which is essential for human health because it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous from food and also assists in development of bones and teeth. It also helps the body to resist diseases such as rickets where legs of children become soft and bend osteomalacia characterized by bones softening and pain and osteoporos where bones become weak and brittle increasing the risk of fractures. 

The World Health Organization [WHO] recommends 5-15 minutes of sun exposure two to three times a week.

Though UV radiation has some health benefits, prolonged exposure to UV radiation poses significant dangers to the health of humans. With the depletion of ozone layer, ultraviolet rays reach the earth posing danger to both the skin and the eyes.

Short-term exposure to UV radiation

causes sunburns while excessive exposure to UV radiation causes premature aging and skin cancer. Skin cancer which is the most common cancer

caused by UV radiation appears as cell cancer and squamous cell cancer which form on head, face, neck and arms because these are the body parts that are mostly exposed to UV radiation. 

According to Skin Cancer Foundation Organization, cell cancers often occur when DNA in the top layer of the skin due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tannings that trigger changes in basal cells in the outermost

layer of the skin[epidermis] resulting in uncontrolled growth. 

Though anybody can have harmful health effects resulting from UV radiation, the risks are more common to people who have prolonged exposure to the sun, those with light-skin colour, people over the age of 50 years, those whose family members have skin cancer and people who take some types of oral and typical medicine such as antibiotics as well as cosmetics that may increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV radiation in all skin types.

Beyond individual health, UV radiation also has implications on the environment and ecosystem. It affects crops productivity by inhibiting photosynthesis due to high UV radiation which cause oxidative stress that damage cellular components.

Additionally, UV radiation also disrupts aquatic ecosystem by harming phytoplankton which are critical to marine food chain. According to United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP] ,UV radiation disrupts ecosystems by impairing growth and development of phytoplankton and also damages plant tissues reducing agricultural productivity.

To mitigate the dangers posed by UV exposure, protective measures have to be observed. According to National Eye Institute[NEI], we can protect our eyes from UV rays by wearing wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Other protective measures may include staying in shade during midday hours, and wearing clothes that cover your hands and legs or wider hats on sunny seasons, and avoiding indoor tanning.

Public education campaigns and government like restricting tanning bed usage among miners can also help in reducing UV-related health issues. Through awareness, prevention and protective measures, the harmful effects of UV radiation can be significantly reduced and therefore promoting a healthier future for all.