UV Radiation Over Exposure Risks

Many people enjoy spending time outdoors soaking up the sun's rays. While there are health benefits derived from limited sun exposure, over exposure to UV has its dangers.

Skin cancer is probably the most well known risk associated with ultraviolet radiation over exposure. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and will affect 1 in 5 Americans at some point during their lives. Skin cancer can be the result of accumulated lifetime exposure to the sun or it can result from a single bad sunburn.

UV Radiation over exposure also causes premature aging of the skin. The skin takes on a leathery wrinkled appearance. The skin sags and acquires dark spots. Aging induced by the sun is called photoaging. The results are often seen years after heavy sun exposure. Excessive tanning as a young adult can lead to prematurely aged skin later in life.

Too much skin exposure can cause a skin condition called actinic keratoses. These are small growths which appear on areas of the skin that are over exposed to UV like the arms, face and neck. These are not cancerous but are considered to be a risk factor associated with squamous cell carcinoma.

Over exposure to the sun's rays is also damaging to the eyes. UV can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. Both of these conditions can severely limit vision but can be partially prevented by protecting the eyes from UV rays. Too much direct sun exposure can cause a burn on the retinas which might lead to blindness. A condition known as flash burn can also occur. This is when the membrane lining the eye become irritated from UV rays and creates a sensation like sand in the eye.

Too much sun also leads to sunburn. Sunburns can be painful and be accompanied by fever, headache, nausea and fatigue. The skin may swell and blister. Overexposure to UV radiation can be damaging to the hair too by causing it to dry out and become frizzy.

The UV Radiation over exposure risks can be greatly reduced by taking a few simple steps to protect yourself. Wear a hat and sunglasses when in the sun for prolonged periods and apply sunscreen everyday. Select a sunscreen with a minimum SPF factor of 15. Apply the lotion at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply after swimming.

UV radiation is strongest in the spring and summer months and during the hours of 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. If possible, avoid being outdoors for long periods of time during peak hours. Clouds are no protection from UV rays. It is possible to receive too much radiation even on cloudy days. Exposure risk is increased when around reflective surfaces such as water or metal. Over exposure can occur during all months of the year, even in winter.

Children and teenagers have sensitive skin an are even more vulnerable to damaging UV radiation. Encourage children to play in shady areas and don't let them play in the sun without sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin. Don't overlook the ears and tops of the feet. Very young children and babies should not use sunscreen but should be kept in the shade instead.

Internet Resource

NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division Web site. "Ultraviolet Radiation". Available from:
http://www.nas.nasa.gov/About/Education/Ozone/radiation.html.

United Nations Environment Program. (1998). "Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion 1998 Assessment." In the Global Change Research Information Office Web site. Available from:
http://www.gcrio.org/ozone/toc.html.