UV Safety Awareness Month, observed annually in July, aims to educate people about the risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. During this month, organizations and health professionals raise awareness about the importance of sun protection to prevent skin cancer, premature aging, and other UV-related health issues.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation originates from both natural sources like the sun and artificial sources such as tanning beds and welding torches. Radiation refers to the emission of energy from any source, encompassing a spectrum of types, from high-energy radiation like x-rays and gamma rays to low-energy radiation like radio waves. UV rays fall in the middle of this spectrum, possessing more energy than visible light but less than x-rays. UV rays vary based on energy levels, with higher-energy UV rays categorized as ionizing radiation capable of damaging DNA in cells, potentially leading to cancer. However, despite their ability to affect DNA, even the most energetic UV rays are unable to penetrate deeply into the body, primarily impacting the skin.

UV radiation is categorized into three main groups:

• UVA rays, which possess the least energy among UV rays, can cause skin cells to age and induce indirect damage to cells’ DNA. While primarily associated with long-term skin damage like wrinkles, UVA rays are also implicated in some forms of skin cancer.
• UVB rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays and can directly damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to sunburn. They are considered the primary rays responsible for causing most skin cancers.
• UVC rays have the highest energy among UV rays. Fortunately, these rays are absorbed by the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere and do not reach the Earth’s surface, posing minimal risk for skin cancer. However, UVC rays can be emitted by certain man-made sources such as arc welding torches, mercury lamps, and UV sanitizing bulbs used for killing bacteria and germs in various environments.

How are Individuals Exposed to UV radiation?

While UV radiation constitutes a small portion of the sun’s rays, sunlight remains its primary source. Various types of UV rays penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere in different proportions. Approximately 95% of the UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface are UVA rays, while the remaining 5% consist of UVB rays.

The intensity of UV rays reaching the Earth’s surface varies based on several factors:

• Time of day: UV rays are most potent between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Season: UV radiation is stronger during spring and summer, particularly at higher latitudes.
• Distance from the equator: UV exposure decreases with distance from the equator.
• Altitude: Higher elevations receive more UV radiation.
• Cloud cover: Although variable, UV rays can penetrate clouds to reach the ground.
• Surface reflection: UV rays reflect off surfaces like water, sand, snow, pavement, and grass, increasing exposure.
• Atmospheric content: The presence of ozone in the upper atmosphere filters out some UV radiation.

Individual UV exposure depends on the strength of the rays, duration of skin exposure, and use of protective measures such as clothing and sunscreen.

Health Issues Related to UV Radiation

Exposure to UV rays, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, can result in various health issues:

• Sunburn: UV rays can cause sunburn, resulting in redness, pain, and skin peeling.
• Premature aging: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to premature aging of the skin, characterized by wrinkles, leathery texture, liver spots, and other signs of sun damage.
• Eye problems: UV rays can inflame or burn the cornea, contribute to cataract formation (clouding of the eye’s lens), and lead to pterygium (abnormal tissue growth on the eye’s surface), all of which can impair vision.
• Weakened immune system: UV exposure can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. This may trigger conditions like herpes reactivation or reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.

Certain individuals are more sensitive to UV radiation, and some medications can increase this sensitivity, leading to a higher risk of sunburn. Moreover, certain medical conditions can exacerbate the adverse effects of UV radiation.

Activities to help you learn more during UV Safety Awareness Month

• Educational campaigns: Organizations and health agencies disseminate information about the dangers of UV radiation and promote sun safety practices through educational materials, social media campaigns, and community events.
• Sun safety tips: Information is provided on how to protect oneself from UV exposure, including wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, seeking shade during peak UV hours, and applying sunscreen with a high SPF regularly.
• Skin cancer screenings: Health organizations may offer free or discounted skin cancer screenings to encourage early detection and prevention efforts.
• Outreach programs: Schools, workplaces, and community centers may host UV safety workshops, presentations, or health fairs to educate the public about the importance of sun protection and skin cancer prevention.
• Policy advocacy: UV Safety Awareness Month also serves as an opportunity to advocate for policies that promote sun safety measures, such as providing shade in outdoor recreational areas and restricting the use of indoor tanning devices.

By increasing awareness and promoting sun-safe behaviors, UV Safety Awareness Month aims to reduce the incidence of skin cancer and other UV-related health problems, ultimately improving public health outcomes related to sun exposure.

References:

• Does UV radiation cause cancer? Does UV Radiation Cause Cancer? | American Cancer Society. (n.d.). 
• How do I protect myself from ultraviolet (UV) rays? American Cancer Society. (n.d.).