Effects of UV Radiation on Humans

Effects of UV Radiation on Humans

Jeff Walters, February 27th 2017

Ultraviolet radiation are waves that are shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. UV radiation primarily come from the sun where it makes up less than 1% (the other 99% is visible light). UV radiation is responsible for the production of Vitamin D which also helps produce testosterone which helps produce muscle mass and lower body fat. Sunlight energies the molecules surrounding your skin which go to the kidney and pick up oxygen and hydrogen to become vitamin D. Vitamin D is responsible for metabolism as it makes it much easier for the body to absorb calcium and other minerals and works as a negative feedback loop so it does not become toxic. However, UV radiation is responsible for sunburns, tanning, premature aging, suppression of the immune system, eye damage and skin cancer.

Sun burns are the increase of dilation of red blood cells due to UV radiation. These burns result in peeling, itchiness and more. Some people may tan where the enzymes in the body change to produce melanin changing the pigment of the skin. Why darker skin people do not have more melanin they do have larger melanin because they are natural for habitats with more UV radiation. UV radiation changes the structure of the epidermis degenerating the skin. This results in sunspots, wrinkles and damaged skin. UV radiation is responsible for suppressing the immune system because it hinders the normal surveillance system of antigens slowing down metabolic pathways. The eyes absorb 99% of the UV radiation making them more susceptible to blindness, cataracts and macular degeneration. FInally skin cancer is caused by UV radiation because UV radiation damages the cell’s telomeres DNA which causes uncontrolled growth resulting in tumours and death.

References

http://enhs.umn.edu/current/5103/uv/harmful.html