II. Mechanism: Ultraviolet Light Spectrum
- Ultraviolet A
- UVA strikes earth 10-100 times more than UVB
- UVA I (Longer Wavelength): 340-400 nm
- UVA II (Shorter Wavelength): 320-340 nm
- Ultraviolet B
- More damaging to skin then UVA
- Wavelength: 290-320 nm
III. Adverse Effects: Ultraviolet Light - Skin Effects
- Photoaging (Wrinkles, discoloration): UVB and UVA
- Sunburn Causes: UVB and UVA II
- Skin Cancer: UVB more commonly causes Skin Cancer
- Photosensitivity Reaction: UVA
IV. Prevention
- Use Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
- Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mexoryl block UVA
- Other agents block UVA less or are less heat stable
- Avoid Sun Exposure 10 am to 3 pm
- Avoid Sun Exposure on high Ultraviolet Index days
- National Weather Service forecasts UV Index daily
- Wear a hat with 3 inch brim all around
- Baseball cap or visor does not adequately protect
- Wear Sunglasses with 99-100% UV protection
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid artificial tanning
- Perform Self Skin Exam regularly
V. References
Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)
Related Studies
| Definition (MEDLINEPLUS) |
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation. They can pass through your skin and damage your skin cells. Sunburns are a sign of skin damage. Suntans aren't healthy, either. They appear after the sun's rays have already killed some cells and damaged others. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or at any temperature. They can also cause eye problems, wrinkles, skin spots, and skin cancer. To protect yourself
Check your skin regularly for changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of birthmarks, moles, and spots. Such changes are a sign of skin cancer. Food and Drug Administration |
| Definition (NCI) | The exposure to incident light from the sun. |
| Concepts | Finding (T033) |
| English | Sun Exposure |
