Understanding UV radiation
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
Also refer to:
- Tanning and solariums for information about skin damage and tanning from artificial sources of UV radiation
- World Health Organization, Intersun Programme for frequently asked questions relating to UV radiation
- Australian Radiation and Nuclear Protection Agency for more information about measuring and forecasting UV radiation
