Sunny
spring days entice us outdoors, but even in mild temperatures, UV radiation
should not be underestimated.
Why sun cream and co are important now.
People usually only think about sun protection
when it gets really hot. But UV radiation is invisible and does not depend on
the air temperature.
Even on
cool days, there is a risk of damage to health.
The sun
emits high-energy ultraviolet rays of various wavelengths: The UV-C component
is completely absorbed by the ozone layer. In contrast, up to ten percent of
UV-B radiation reaches the earth’s surface, while the UV-A component passes
through the atmosphere almost unhindered.
Direct consequences
– Reddening
of the skin up to sunburn, swelling, blistering, itching, pain
– Sun
allergy with wheals and blisters
–
Inflammation of the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye (e.g. snow blindness)
–
Suppression of the immune system
– Formation
of vitamin D (the only known positive biological effect of UV radiation)
Late effects
– Eye
damage such as cataracts or uveal melanoma (eye tumor)
–
Accelerated skin ageing
– skin
cancer
The
intensity of UV radiation depends on the time of year, time of day and
latitude.
It is more
intense in the summer months than in winter, and is most dangerous during the
day at midday.
In
addition, the radiation intensity increases the closer you get to the equator.
Without sun
protection, the UV rays penetrate the skin and eyes and can cause damage.
The main
cause of reddening of the skin is UV-B radiation, which mainly penetrates the
epidermis, whereas UV-A radiation reaches the deeper layers of the skin.
