LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understanding that UV radiation is part of the sun's
electromagnetic spectrum and has shorter wavelengths
than visible light.
Describing ways to keep skin safe from UV radiation and
which methods are most effective.
Testing a variety of sunscreens and sunglasses to
determine their effectiveness at blocking UV light.
Listing and describing the types of UV radiation.
Describing the importance of sunscreen and other
protective equipment to block the sun's rays.
Correlating sun exposure to SPF value of sunscreen
Learning about the differences between UVA and UVB in
the ultraviolet spectrum.
1.1 INTRODUCTION:
Ultraviolet (UV) blocking refers to a material's ability to
prevent UV rays from passing through it. UV filters are
materials, mixtures, or compounds that absorb or block
UV light. They can be categorized into two groups:
physical and chemical. Physical UV filters, also known as
inorganic UV filters, scatter and reflect UV
radiation. Chemical UV filters absorb the light. UV filters
can also be classified as UVA or UVB filters, depending
on the radiation they attenuate.
Some materials that can block UV rays include: Metal
foil, Museum grade window film, and Polycarbonate.
UV filters are used as sunscreens to protect skin from
sunburn and other sun/UV related damage. In sunscreen,
ingredients that absorb UVA/UVB rays, such as
avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octyl methoxycinnamate,
are organic chemical absorbers or "blockers".
They are contrasted with inorganic absorbers/"blockers"
of UV radiation such as carbon black, titanium dioxide,
and zinc oxide.
UV radiation is invisible to the human eye, but it can be
detected by certain instruments and photographic
film. UV rays can cause sunburn, premature skin aging,
and may lead to a risk of several skin cancers.
1.2 ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT:
Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that
makes black-light posters glow, and is responsible for
summer tans — and sunburns. However, too much
exposure to UV radiation is damaging to living tissue.
Electromagnetic radiation comes from the sun and
transmitted in waves or particles at different wavelengths
and frequencies. This broad range of wavelengths is
known as the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. The
spectrum is generally divided into seven regions in order
of decreasing wavelength and increasing energy and
frequency. The common designations are radio
waves,microwaves, infrared (IR), visible light, ultraviolet
(UV), X-rays and gamma-rays.
Ultraviolet (UV) light falls in the range of the EM
spectrum between visible light and X-rays. It has
frequencies of about 8 × 1014 to 3 × 1016 cycles per
second, or hertz (Hz), and wavelengths of about 380
nanometers (1.5 × 10−5 inches) to about 10 nm (4 ×
10−7 inches). According to the U.S. Navy's "Ultraviolet
Radiation Guide," UV is generally divided into three sub-
bands:
i. UVA, or near UV (315–400 nm)
ii. UVB, or middle UV (280–315 nm)
iii. UVC, or far UV (180–280 nm)
The guide goes on to state, "Radiations with wavelengths
from 10 nm to 180 nm are sometimes referred to as
vacuum or extreme UV." These wavelengths are blocked
by air, and they only propagate in a vacuum.
All UVC radiation is absorbed by the earth's ozone layer.
Most UVB radiation is absorbed by the ozone, but
ultraviolet B radiation still reaches us. Most of the
ultraviolet radiation that we receive is UVA radiation.
Both UVA and UVB radiation can damage the skin and
cause skin cancer.
1.3 Types of UV light:
UV light or UV ray is classified into three components: ultraviolet A
(UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). Following is
the table explaining the characteristics of these components:
Ultraviolet A (UVA):
i. Most of the UV (98.7%) that reaches us on the earth’s surface is
of type UVA and is affected by the ozone
ii. Fading of paints and dyes.
iii. UVA causes early aging of the skin.
iv. UVA causes skin cancer called melanoma.
Ultraviolet B (UVB):
i. 1.3% of the UV reaches the earth’s surface and is highly affected
by ozone.
ii. These rays are responsible for sunburn and tan.
iii. For the production of vitamin D, 270-300 nm wavelengths are
stimulated.
Ultraviolet C (UVC):
i. UVC rays do not reach the earth’s surface as most of them are
absorbed by the atmospheric nitrogen, oxygen, and ozone, and
the rest are scattered.
ii. UVC causes lesions on the skin.
1.4 MAIN SOURCE OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT:
Sunlight is the greatest source of UltraViolet Radiation.
Man-made ultraviolet sources include several types of UV
lamps, arc welding, and mercury vapour lamps.
UV radiation is a type of non-ionizing radiation with
wavelengths of 10–400 nanometers, which is shorter than
visible light but longer than X-rays. The sun's UV radiation
is commonly divided into UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, with
UV-C being the most harmful. The ozone layer protects us
from the sun's harmful UV rays.
1.5 Some man-made sources of UV light include:
UV lamps, Arc welding, Mercury vapor lamps, Tanning
beds, Black lights, and UV LED s.
UV light has some benefits, such as helping to create
Vitamin D, but it can also cause health risks, like skin
cancer and eye damage.
1.6 BLOCKING OF UlTRAVIOLET LIGHT:
Ultraviolet (UV) blocking refers to a material's ability to
prevent UV rays from passing through it. UV filters are
materials, mixtures, or compounds that absorb or block
UV light. They can be categorized into two groups:
physical and chemical. Physical UV filters, also known as
inorganic UV filters, scatter and reflect UV
radiation. Chemical UV filters absorb the light. UV filters
can also be classified as UVA or UVB filters, depending
on the radiation they attenuate.
Some materials that can block UV rays include: Metal
foil, Museum grade window film, and Polycarbonate.
UV filters are used as sunscreens to protect skin from
sunburn and other sun/UV related damage. In sunscreen,
ingredients that absorb UVA/UVB rays, such as
avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octyl methoxycinnamate,
are organic chemical absorbers or "blockers".
UV radiation is invisible to the human eye, but it can be
detected by certain instruments and photographic
film. UV rays can cause sunburn, premature skin aging,
and may lead to a risk of several skin cancers.
Wear sunscreen: Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an
SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed skin before going
outside. You should wear sunscreen every day, even
indoors.
Wear a hat: A wide-brimmed hat can protect your face,
head, ears, and neck.
Wear sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block both UVA
and UVB rays to protect your eyes and the surrounding
skin.
Seek shade: Stay in the shade, especially between 10 AM
and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest.
Use an umbrella: A large, dark, opaque umbrella can
block at least 77% of UV light.
Wear sun-protective clothing: Look for clothing with a
UV protection factor (UPF) number, as higher numbers
indicate better blockage. Many outdoor companies make
clothes that offer increased UV protection.
