Quick Facts About UV Rays
May 2nd, 2007
- Sunlight consists of 2 types of light waves or radiation; visible and invisible. Visible light has a spectrum of 7 colors ranging from red to violet. Invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation is not possible for detection to the human eye, e.g. infrared and X-rays. UV radiaition is further divided into 3 different types - UVC, UCB and UVA.
- The very toxic UVC is filtered out by the ozone layer. The ozone layer also filters UVB but about 1% of UVB still passes through to reach earth. UVB is what causes sunburn and even skin cancers after prolong exposure.
- UVA is abundant around us since the ozone layer poses no obstruction. UVA is what causes photoaging of the skin and is linked to photosensitivity resulting from certain diseases (e.g. lupus and the consumption of some drugs and herbs).
- Whether the weather is windy, cloudy or foggy during the day, harmful UV rays are still able to penetrate through.
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