UV radiation has been related to a variety of skin cancers as well as a few other cancers. Even though it is natural and originates from the sun, there are behaviors that can overexpose us to sunlight and cause skin damage. Sunburns and liver spots, for example, might progress into more serious problems over time. It is a type of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the sun and other artificial sources such as tanning beds. While it offers certain benefits for people, such as the production of Vitamin D, it can also pose health hazards.
Why Exactly is it Harmful?
UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted mostly by the sun. UV rays are classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA photons are the weakest, but they accelerate the aging of skin cells. UVB rays are more powerful and can cause sunburns and skin cancer. The sun’s UVC rays react with the ozone and do not reach the ground. They can, however, arise from man-made sources such as welding torches, mercury lamps, and UV sanitizing bulbs designed to destroy microorganisms. The main source of UV radiation is sunlight. It is necessary to wear hats and sunglasses in direct sunshine, and to stay as much as possible in the shade.
UV (ultraviolet) light can have several harmful effects in the work area, including:
Skin Damage: UV radiation can damage the skin cells and cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Workers who are frequently exposed to UV radiation may develop skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Eye Damage: UV radiation can also cause damage to the eyes, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal damage. Workers who work outside or with equipment that emits UV radiation need to take precautions to protect their eyes from UV radiation.
Reduced Immunity: Exposure to UV radiation can reduce the immune system’s ability to fight off infections, making workers more susceptible to illnesses.
Degradation of Materials: UV radiation can also cause degradation of materials, including plastics, fabrics, and paints. This can lead to reduced durability and lifespan of the products, which can be a significant problem for industries that rely on these materials.
Disinfection Risks: While UV radiation can be used for disinfection purposes, excessive exposure to it can also be harmful, leading to skin and eye damage for workers involved in the disinfection process.
Other eye damages like cataracts are a type of eye injury in which the lens of the eye loses transparency, obscuring vision. Cataracts can cause blindness if not treated. UV exposure, according to research, increases the probability of some cataracts.
Pterygium (tissue growth that can obstruct vision), skin cancer around the eyes, and degeneration of the macula (the area of the retina where visual perception is most intense) are examples of other types of eye damage. All of these issues can be mitigated by using good eye protection. If you wear sunglasses, glasses, or contact lenses, go for ones that provide 99 to 100 percent UV protection.
Overall, it is important for employers and workers to take appropriate measures to protect themselves from harmful UV radiation in the work area, including using protective clothing, eyewear, and implementing engineering controls to reduce exposure.
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