How do ultraviolet rays affect humans

Although curable with modern eye surgery, cataracts diminish the eyesight of millions of Americans and cost billions of dollars in medical care each year. Other kinds of eye damage include pterygium tissue growth that can block vision , skin cancer around the eyes, and degeneration of the macula the part of the retina where visual perception is most acute. All of these problems can be lessened with proper eye protection.

Look for sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, that offer 99 to percent UV protection. For example, the skin normally mounts a defense against foreign invaders such as cancers and infections. Ultraviolet UV radiation from the sun and from tanning beds is classified as a human carcinogen by the U. I was first diagnosed with melanoma when I was 19 years old. I found a new black mole on my leg that was as small as the tip of a pencil but with jagged edges.

I immediately called my doctor and was able to catch the cancer at Stage I. More than five surgeries later, the melanoma was gone. But seven years later, it was back. This time the melanoma showed up as a larger black mole, which grew to the size of a quarter over a weekend. I called my doctor immediately and had two more surgeries to remove the melanoma. He worried that he would never walk his daughter down the aisle, but this summer he finally had the chance!

After nearly 10 surgeries in total, I have been cancer-free now for 5 years. If you find a suspicious mole, call your doctor right away! Skip to main content. Contact Us. Skin cancer melanoma and nonmelanoma Premature aging and other skin damage Cataracts and other eye damage Immune system suppression Skin Cancer Each year, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.

Melanoma Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common cancers among adolescents and young adults ages Exposure to UV slows the growth of the skin cells and relieves the symptoms. These chemicals improve our mood. The fruits, flowers and seeds often appear quite different from how humans see them. For example, when seen in UV light, some flowers have different line markings, which may help direct bees and birds to the nectar.

This is why a light sometimes attracts flying insects by disrupting their navigation process. Useful for disinfection and sterilisation — UV has positive applications in the fields of disinfection and sterilisation. To destroy the microorganisms, UV rays penetrate the cell's membrane, destroying the DNA, and so stops its ability to reproduce and multiply.

This destructive effect explains why we can use UV antibacterial lamps for disinfection and sterilisation. Causes skin cancer — UV is an environmental human carcinogen. There is very strong evidence that each of the three main types of skin cancer basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma is caused by sun exposure.

Causes sunburn — UV burns the skin. Sunburn is a burn that occurs when skin cells are damaged. This damage to the skin is caused by the absorption of energy from UV rays. Extra blood flows to the damaged skin in an attempt to repair it, which is why your skin turns red when you are sunburnt. Damages immune system — Over-exposure to UV radiation has a harmful suppressing effect on the immune system.

Scientists believe that sunburn can change the distribution and function of disease-fighting white blood cells in humans for up to 24 hours after exposure to the sun. Understanding the basics about UV radiation and how it damages your skin is an important first step in learning how to safeguard yourself against skin cancer. The good news is that the danger posed by UV radiation can be greatly reduced by you! Yes, you can still enjoy outdoor activities while limiting your skin cancer risk by taking simple, smart protective measures.

UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun. Tanning beds also emit UV radiation. These rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers.

UV radiation is a proven cause of basal cell carcinoma BCC and squamous cell carcinoma SCC , which often appear on sun-exposed areas of skin. Fortunately, when discovered early enough, these common forms of skin cancer are almost always curable.

UV exposure that leads to sunburn has proven to play a strong role in developing melanoma , the most dangerous of the three most common types of skin cancer. Research shows that the UV rays that damage skin can also alter a gene that suppresses tumors, raising the risk of sun-damaged skin cells developing into skin cancer. Despite the risk factors, you can safely, happily enjoy the great outdoors by protecting your skin against UV exposure with broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun-safe clothing , hats and eyewear.

You can also consider UV window film for your home and car. Make it a way of life. Avoid indoor tanning entirely. The Facts. The Risks. How They Affect You. What is UV radiation? What is at stake?