Health Effects of
Ultraviolet Radiation

There are many known health effects of ultraviolet radiation in particular to the skin, eye and immune system.

Health Effects of UV Radiation on the Skin

• sunburn : high amount of UV radiation kill most of the skin cells in the upper skin layer. The skin reddening is known as erythema or commonly called sunburn. Sometimes a strong sunburn can cause the skin to blister and peel.
• skin aging : UV radiation can cause skin damage such as wrinkles.
• photosensitivity : some people have a skin condition that makes them very sensitive to UV radiation. A minimal exposure to the sun will trigger an allergic reaction leading to rash or severe sunburn. It is often associated with the use of certain medication
• skin cancer : exposure to UV radiation appears to be the most important environmental factor in the increase of skin cancer

Early symptoms and signs of skin cancer.

What are the types of skin cancer.

Health Effects of UV Radiation on the Eye

• photokeratitis : inflamation of the cornea
• photoconjunctivities : inflammation of the conjunctiva - the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and eye sockets.
• pterygium : growth of the conjunctiva on the surface of the eye
• cataracts : the leading cause of blindness. Proteins in the eye's lens unravel, tangle and accumulate pigments which cause the loss of transparency in the lens and eventually lead to blindness. WHO estimated that up to 20% of cataracts may be caused by overexposure to UV radiation
• cancer of the eye : current scientific evidence suggest that different forms of eye cancer may be associated with exposure to the sun.

Health Effects of UV Radiation on the Immune System

Take a QUIZ! If I do not burn, am I still causing skin damage? YES or NO?

YES! Even if you do not burn, any change in skin colour is a sign of permanent skin damage that may lead to skin cancers or premature ageing-wrinkles and age spots

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