Hazardous UV radiation
Ultraviolet distinguishes three important components of radiation: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Two first types of radiation are especially dangerous. UV-A and UV-B radiation, although partially "filtered" or reflected by the Earth's atmosphere - this, however, largely reaches the Earth's surface and is absorbed by living organisms. This radiation is absorbed in excess by the skin and eyes of people is highly harmful, as it (carcinogenic) to the skin and can damage the retina of the eyes. Although it should also be stressed that moderate (optimal) UV absorption has a significant health-promoting effect, as it is necessary for the production of physiologically active form of vitamin D and supports other important physiological processes, including hormonal, nervous and other functions.
The third type of radiation - UV-C is the most lethal for living organisms
So let's take it with relief, but the UV-C radiation does not reach the Earth almost. The UV-C rays generated by special lamps are used in laboratory conditions to sterilize, i.e. kill pathogenic microorganisms - mainly bacteria. Before this UV-C radiation, we are protected by the tight ozone layer of the atmosphere. A certain threat is the so-called "Ozone hole", which from time to time allows a small emission of this radiation to penetrate into the ecosphere.
Ultraviolet UV-A and UV-B are especially dangerous for the skin
UV-A radiation (longer waves than UV-B) - makes up nearly 95% of all ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface. This radiation works with almost the same intensity throughout the day (morning and evening). This applies especially to big cities, beaches, sunlit mountains. Here, too, the dangerous effect of accumulation of this radiation resulted from the phenomenon of intense reflection and local dispersion of UV-A rays. These rays, for example, hit the concrete street architecture - they break the skin with enhanced intensity. And although the "long" ultraviolet does not burn and blush as painfully as its "shorter" form of UV-B - this long acting on the skin causes harmful changes in the depth of its structure.
Ultraviolet UV-A destroys and age the skin
Ultraviolet UV-A penetrates deep into the skin and destroys its structural network consisting of strong and elastic collagen and elastin fibers. Due to the long-lasting effect of these rays, gradual degeneration of the elastic fibers occurs. The skin's elasticity is reduced. The skin becomes thinner and drier. This process is most often observed on exposed parts of the body: the face, neckline, palm of the hands, where the skin is dry, not elastic, covered with a network of wrinkles, furrows and discoloration. What is worse, UV-A rays degenerate cells, which threatens skin cancer, including malignant cutaneous melanoma.
Ultraviolet UV-B - it fights but also ... it destroys the skin and eyes
Although ultraviolet UV-B radiation is filtered through the atmosphere, it reaches the surface of the earth in a significant portion - about 25% of the original solar emission ..These rays (length 290-320nm) reach mainly into the epidermis and result in tan desired by sunbathers. However, if the skin absorbs too much UV-B radiation - painful erythema, i.e. skin sunburn, appears. Overdose of tanning harms the skin and interferes with the immune system (immune). Currently, the relationship between skin cancer and this radiation is considered a medical fact. Ultraviolet UV-B is also the cause of eye diseases, such as cataracts and allergies to sunlight.
Painful erythema
Too long sunbathing can cause painful erythema with the features of first or second degree burns. Symptoms of burns appear after a few hours of intense sunbathing. The highest intensity of erythema occurs after 9-14 hours, and after 24-48 hours erythema disappears. Often, skin changes are accompanied by symptoms such as increased body temperature, local swelling, pain and burning of the skin. After some time, the skin peels off in the form of large or small flakes.
ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
medical consultation: Dr n. med. Andrzej Szmurło
dermatologist
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Literature
1. Practical dermatology; dermatologists: Małgorzata Opalińska, Katarzyna Prystupa, Wadim Stąpór, Wyd. Lek. PZWL 1997. 2. Sun protection during sports - internet materials provided by the Central Institute for Labor Protection - National Research Institute of CIOP-PIB
3. Hyperpigmentation pigmentation disorders as a cosmetic problem; Aneta Urbańska; New Medicine - Dermatology V notebook 120 (1/2003).
4. Sun and skin - a series of publications; dr. Catherine. med. Katarzyna Prystupa (allergist-dermatologist), Edward Ozga-Michalski, Anna Gotowiec; My health; 1997-2000
5. Genetic determinants of melanoma, Advances in Dermatology and Allergology 1/2006; Team of doctors: Urszula Brudnik, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Wojciech Branick
6. Primary malignant melanoma of the head and neck; Karolina Hydzik-Sobocińska, Marcin Sobociński; "THERAPY" No. 6 (153), JUNE 2004; Chair and Clinic of Otolaryngology at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow; Head: prof. dr hab. med. Jacek Składzień
