What are Ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays?
- There are three types of ultraviolet radiation rays:
- Ultraviolet A rays (UVA) which make up most of the sun’s natural light. These soak deep into the skin causing wrinkles and early aging of the skin.
- Ultraviolet B rays (UVB) which are the main cause of sun burns.
- Ultraviolet C rays that never reach us because the atmosphere filters them out.
We are exposed to UV rays when:
- there are clouds, fog or haze.
- they reflect off concrete, sand, water, and snow.
- parts of our atmosphere (ozone layer) around the earth becomes thin.
- we work, play, and learn in the sun rather than in the shade.
- we use indoor tanning beds and sun lamps.
The more we are exposed to UV rays, the more harm it does to our bodies.
Exposure to UV rays can lead to:
- Sun burns
- Skin cancers (malignant melanoma or basal cell and squamous cell cancers)
- Early aging of skin
- Eye damage such as cataracts
- Weaker immune system.
The UV index tells us how intense the sun's UVB rays are - Remember these are the rays that cause the skin to tan and burn.
Exposure categories you need to know:
- Low risk (UV rating 0 to 2) is not usually a problem.
- Moderate risk (UV rating 3 to 5) and high risk (UV rating 6 to 7)
are times to protect yourself from the risk of UV exposure. - Very high risk (UV rating 8 to 10) and extreme risk (UV rating of 11+)
are times when you need to limit your time in the sun even if you are protected from the risk of UV exposure.
