The Hazards of Exposure to UV Radiation

Although UV radiation is beneficial in producing Vitamin D as well as increasing serotonin levels in humans, the aftermath of overexposure to UV radiation is greatly detrimental.  It's easy going day to day completing normal tasks outside, without even realizing that you're putting yourself at risk to a potentially deadly form of cancer.  The World Health Organziation (WHO) offers a comprehensive guide to all hazards associated with acute and chronic exposure to UV Radiation. The most well known effect of acute UV radiation exposure is erythema (AKA sunburn).  An occasional sunburn once or twice year may not seem like a big deal, however if this result is produced year after year, one might find his or herself with a more serious health condition.

One serious health condition is melanoma, otherwise classified as a cancer of the skin.  People of all races and ethnic groups are posed to melanoma, despise a common misconception about melanin pigment.  Although melanoma is a more common cancer in fair-skinned people, WHO argues that people of all skin colors need to be take the same necessary precautions as lighter-skinned people do.  The organization also reports that approximately 130,000 malignant melanomas occur yearly. Another serious health condition associated with exposure to harmful UV radiation is known as cataracts. Cataracts is a condition in which an inflammatory reaction in the eyes causes a deterioration in vision, ultimately causing blindness.  To prevent these most serious hazards of exposure to UV radiation, one should apply and reapply sunscreen on days where the majority of their time is spent outside.  Additionally, wearing polarized UV-protective sunglasses are an effective way to decrease the chances of getting cataracts. 

Other than the skin and eyes, the body's immune system is also at great risk to UV radiation.  UV Awareness is a website that offers a complete guide to the result of immunosuppression from exposure to UV radiation.  This health condition is perhaps less well-known as the ones discussed above, but still incredibly harmful nonetheless.  Scientists have determined that UV radiation is able to reduce the strength of one's immune system, by altering the activity and distribution of some of the cells responsible for triggering immune system responses. This effect can increase the chance of contracting bacterial, viral and fungal infections in people of all races and ethnic groups. 

Cataracts is a serious health condition in which one's eyes produce an inflammatory response to overexposure to UV radiation.  Cataracts deteriorates the vision of the eyes, which often leads to blindness. You can reduce your chances of cataracts by wearing UV protective sunglasses everyday. 

Every time you step outside, you are prone to UV radiation exposure.  However, wearing sunscreen and SPF containing cosmetics is a great way to reduce exposure,  Everyday, I wear foundation with SPF in it since i have fair skin.