Understanding UV radiation

 

The Electromagnetic spectrum 

Everyone is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Many people are exposed to UV radiation from other sources such as solariums, sun lamps and arc welders.

The sun sends out different types of radiation – visible light that we see as sunlight, infrared radiation felt as heat and UV radiation that we can't see or feel.

People often confuse infrared and UV radiation. When the temperature is cool it means less infrared radiation but not necessarily less UV radiation.

Types of UV radiation

There are three types of UV radiation, categorised by wavelength: UVA, UVB and UVC.

  • UVA can cause sunburn, DNA (cell) damage in the skin and skin cancer.
  • UVB causes skin damage and skin cancer. Ozone stops most UVB from reaching the earth's surface.
  • UVC is the most dangerous type of UV. Ozone in the atmosphere absorbs all UVC so none reaches the earth's surface.

FAQs about UV radiation 

Answers to popular questions about UV radiation.

Download Ultraviolet radiation [pdf 99K] to learn more about UV radiation.

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