Ultraviolet radiation and your health

General
1

UV radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation that is emerging from the sun and artificial sources.

Sources:

  1. Natural (Sun)
  2. Artificial
    – Tanning beds.
    – Mercury vapor lighting.
    – Some halogen, fluorescent and incandescent lights.
    – Some types of lasers.
    UV rays have three types based on their wavelength.

Benefits:
•- Production of vitamin D.
WHO recommended 5–15 min of sun exposure 2–3 times a week .

Risks:
•- Sun burn is a sign of overexposure.
•- Premature ageing and skin cancer.
•- Risk of potentially eye blinding disease if you not use protection.
•- People who are over age 50.
•- Skin sensitivity and having light colour of hair, eyes, and skin.

How to protect yourself from UV rays?

  1. Stay in the shade especially in midday hours.
  2. Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
  3. Consider options to protect your children.
  4. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
  5. Use sunscreen.
  6. Avoid indoor tanning. It is dangerous for children and younger ones because of having high risk of developing melanoma.

What role should governments and healthcare professionals play in educating people about UV protection? Give your opinion.

3 Likes
2

Governments must run awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, and media about the dangers of excessive UV exposure.
Healthcare professionals especially skin care professionals can educate patients on sunscreen use, protective clothing, and regular skin checkups.
Free or affordable sunscreen distribution in high-risk areas can improve protection.
Strict regulations on indoor tanning, especially for minors, are also important.
Together, education and preventive policies can significantly reduce UV-related health problems.

1 Like
3

Yes, in our day to day activities, our body is exposed to number of unwanted ultra violet radiation and chemical carcinogens.

It damage our DNA, undergoes mutations leading to cancer and further metastatic melanoma.

However, this condition can be overcome by creating awareness among all. Moreover, we should avoid the exposure to these radiation. But vitamin D is also needed by the body which can be acquired by morning sunrays exposure between 6:30-8:00am

1 Like
4

I think governments and healthcare professionals should do a lot to teach people about protecting themselves from light.

They should tell people how bad ultraviolet light is for their skin and eyes.

They can start by putting up signs in places, like beaches and parks to remind people to wear hats and sunscreen when they are outside.

1 Like
5

Government & healthcare professionals should conduct awareness campaigns to make people aware of benefits & dangers of uv radiation

1 Like
6

UV radiation not only plays a major role in sun burns or skin damage more than that if not taken into consideration , the inner genes can get mutated and which can lead to other systematic diseases with bad prognosis. So, other than sun burns i think people should know what all other factors are there due to UV radiations.

1 Like
7

Great post! I think governments and healthcare professionals should go beyond awareness campaigns and make UV education part of school health programs and community outreach. Many people associate sun exposure only with tanning or sunburn, overlooking its long-term risks. Promoting simple daily sun-safe habits early can have a lasting public health impact.

1 Like