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    Question ID:   2672         Current Version: 3
Question: What exactly are "ultraviolet rays"?
Category: Health & Beauty > Skin and Body
Keywords: skin, radiation, UV, UVA, UVB, UVC, sunlight, light, Ultraviolet, rays
Type: what
Rating:(0 ratings)    Views: 598    Discussions: 0   In Watch Lists: 2  

 
    Answer:

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells.

There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA is the most abundant source of solar radiation at the earth's surface and penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase a person's risk for developing skin cancer.

UVB rays are less abundant at the earth's surface than UVA because a significant portion of UVB rays is absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB rays penetrate less deeply into the skin than do UVA rays, but also can be damaging.

UVC radiation is extremely hazardous to skin, but it is completely absorbed by the stratospheric ozone layer and does not reach the surface of the earth.

What effect does UV radiation have on my body?

Both UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to your skin. Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure.

Certain oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some cosmetics, may increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV in all skin types. Check the label and ask your doctor for more information.

Sunlight is not the only source of UV radiation you may encounter. Other sources include:

  • Tanning booths
  • Mercury vapor lighting (often found in stadiums and school gyms)
  • Some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights
  • Some types of lasers
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[QID:2673]    What can excessive exposure to UV rays do to my health? How can I protect myself from the sun's Uvrays?  
[QID:2682]    What is the UV Index?  
[QID:5451]    Are there health benefits of exposure to UV radiation?  
[QID:2684]    Are there clothing tips to help protect my skin from UV rays?  
[QID:2685]    What kind of hat should I choose for the best protection from UV rays?  
[QID:5455]    Are dangers of UV exposure the same for everyone?  
[QID:796]    Why does ultraviolet light cause color to fade?  
[QID:2669]    When do I need to protect myself from sun exposure?  
[QID:2683]    Why does the skin tan when exposed to the sun? Are there ways to classify different skin types?  
[QID:5463]    Can anyone give me some sun protection tips?  
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