Overview

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is with the wavelength range of 100–400 nm, of a higher frequency and lower wavelength than visible light. UV radiation comes directly from the sun, but it can also be created by artificial sources.

The UV range is split into three bands:

• UVA (315-400 nm)
• UVB (280-315 nm)
• UVC (100-280 nm)

As sunlight falls on the atmosphere, it is full of UVC and about 90% of UVB radiation is consumed by ozone, oxygen, water vapor, and CO2. UVA radiation is the least touched by the atmosphere. Therefore, the UV rays reaching the Earth’s surface are mainly UVA with a small UVB element.

The UV radiation amount that hits the Earth’s exterior depends on several determinants like the sun’s distance (height), latitude, cloud cover, altitude, the thickness of the ozone layer, and reflection on the ground. Depleting the ozone layer due to pollution increases UVA and UVB that reach the surface, impacting living beings on Earth. In people, overexposure to UV can cause skin cancers, cataracts, and immune system weakening.

Prevention

The rise in skin cancer cases is strongly related to increased exposure to the sun and artificial UV radiation sources such as sunlamps and tanning beds. Overexposure can also pose harmful effects on the eyes and immune system.

Taking a few easy precautions can be beneficial, like:

• Reduce outdoor experience in the midday sun, particularly when the UV index is high.
• When one is outdoors and UV rays are most intense, try to find shade and wear protective clothing to shield head, face, and neck.
• Make use of good-quality sunscreen.
• Limit the usage of sunlamps and tanning parlors.

UV exposure can affect children’s dynamic growth and immune system as they are even more susceptible to environmental threats than grown ups. 

PGC Response

PGC works to increase the communal understanding of the effects of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.

PGC collaborates with other organizations, partners, and the government to advance and evaluate research on the health effects of UV radiation and generate an appropriate response through guidelines and information distribution. PGC aims to provide practical advice on the health and environmental impacts of UV exposure.

PGC also joins forces with research experts to implement major research activities in identifying and quantifying health risks from UV radiation. 

PGC creates awareness related to the UV index, sun protection, artificial sunbeds, tourism, and occupational health.

Fact Sheet:

PGC Resolution: To spread awareness about UV radiation - its effects on the skin, eye, health, and immune system. Guidelines and measures on how to protect oneself from the sun.