UVsäteilyaltistuksen

UVsäteilyaltistus refers to the exposure of living organisms and materials to ultraviolet radiation. This radiation originates primarily from the sun, but artificial sources such as tanning beds and certain industrial lamps also emit UV rays. The Earth's atmosphere, particularly the ozone layer, absorbs a significant portion of the sun's UV radiation, but some still reaches the surface.

UV radiation is categorized into three main types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is the most energetic and damaging but is almost entirely absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB radiation penetrates the Earth's atmosphere and is responsible for sunburn and contributes to skin cancer and premature aging. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and is also associated with skin aging and plays a role in skin cancer development.

Exposure to UV radiation can have both beneficial and detrimental effects. Beneficial effects include the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, which is crucial for bone health. However, excessive or unprotected exposure can lead to acute effects like sunburn and photokeratitis (snow blindness), as well as chronic effects such as an increased risk of skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. UV radiation can also damage the eyes, leading to cataracts and other vision problems. Materials, such as plastics and fabrics, can also degrade when exposed to UV light. Protection measures include wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoiding peak UV hours.