SunUV Guide To Ultraviolet Radiation

What Is Ultraviolet Solar Radiation?

Solar Ultraviolet or UV rays make up part of the electromagnetic or photonic spectrum of light and radiant
energy. Part of this spectrum is broken down into wavelengths and is measured by nanometers or nm, for
short. The electromagnetic spectrum within the wavelength region ranges from the vacuum ultraviolet to the
far infrared. We cannot see ultraviolet light and it is shorter in wavelength than visible light. The visible
region of the electromagnetic spectrum is approximately
the range from 400 to 750 nm in wavelength.
Even though the eye perceives light as one color, the
visible region is broken down into the colors of the
rainbow: violet, indigo, blue, green yellow, orange, red,
measuring in wavelength from 400 to 770 nm.
The ultraviolet region ranges from 10 nm to 400 nm or
nanometers and can be further divided into UV-A, UV-B
and UV-C. UV-C radiation is in wavelengths less than 280
nm and is extremely dangerous to plants and animals.
However, it is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not
reach the ground.
More of both UV-B and UV-A rays reach the earth's surface. UV-B rays range from 280 to 320 nm, and are the
primary concern for protection. UV-A rays range from 320 to 400 nm and are somewhat less dangerous.
What Is The Ultraviolet (UV) Index?
The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the
Ultraviolet or UV Index to help people in planning outdoor activities. The UV Index forecasts the expected
intensity of the sun. This forecast should be taken into account when working, playing or exercising during
peak periods of sun intensity. Exposure levels are given on a scale of 0 - 10+, with 0 indicating minimal
exposure and 10+ indicating very high and dangerous UV levels. You can view the UV Index for major US
cities at the National Weather Service site The UV Index does reflect cloud cover and local weather for each
region predicted.
0-2

3-4

5-6

7-9

10 +

Minimal

Low

Moderate

High

Very High

What Affects The Intensity Of The UV Index?

The UV Index can vary widely depending on the following factors: time of year or season, time of day,
weather conditions, surfaces, altitude and regions of the world, or latitude.
Season, Time of Day and Weather Conditions
The UV Index is higher during the summer months, when the sun's rays are more direct. The middle of the
day, when the sun is highest, has the highest UV exposure. This period can vary from 10 am - 2 PM and
changes to 11 am - 3 PM during Daylight Saving. Different cloud cover may block or enhance UV rays. While
thick, dark clouds block, puffy or thin-layered clouds do not. Hazy days may see just as high UV reaching the
surface as clear days. Some clouds may increase the radiation by reflecting and refracting the sun's rays.
Elevation or Altitude
At higher altitudes, more UV can get through where the air is clearer and thinner.
Reflective Properties of Surfaces
Bright surfaces can reflect the sun's rays and increases the UV exposure. Snow, sand, water and concrete will
reflect the most UV. Unfortunately, the UV Index cannot take into account incidental reflections. So your skin
sees a much higher index than indicated. Contrary to expectations, a snow skiier can be sunburned during
the winter while skiing on a mountain slope.

Regions of the World or Latitudes

People living close to the equator, at low latitudes, experience extremely high levels of ultraviolet rays.
Countries such as Australia have seen the highest incidence in the world of malignant melanomas, the most
serious skin cancer. Countries in South America and Africa are also on or near the equator.
How Are Individuals Affected By The UV Index?
The reaction of an individual's skin to UV is dependent on several factors: genetics, accumulated exposure
and medications.
The Dangers Of UV Exposure
Too much UV-A contributes to photo aging (wrinkles), less severe sunburn, and cataracts. Some studies also
link cumulative UV-A overexposure with skin cancer.
While humans need UV-B irradiance to synthesize Vitamin D3, overexposure does not produce additional D3
as the body self-regulates and limits it naturally. UV-B is also responsible for skin reddening (erythema
sunburn), and long term cumulative overexposure effects can include skin cancer, cataracts and immune
system suppression.
UV-B rays are considerably stronger during the midday hours, but UV-A rays are fairly equal in intensity
throughout the day. UV-B intensity influences the UV Index reading the most.
Reducing The Risks Of Overexposure To Ultraviolet Rays
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government agencies and private
organizations, there are ways to reduce the risk of short and long term damage to your skin and eyes:

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Hat

Clothing

Avoid midday sun

Stay inside when UV Index is high or very high

Sunscreen or sun block lotions are designed to give a certain amount of protection from the sun's rays. Skin
Protection Factor (SPF) describes the increased allowable time of sun exposure before sun burns can occur.
For example, SPF 15 means one can stay out in the sun 15 times longer than without sunscreen. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a minimum SPF of 15.
In addition, the EPA recommends wearing sunglasses, hat and clothing. Sunglasses should block 99 to 100%
of UV radiation. If the index is high or very high, it may be best to stay inside.

CONCLUSION:
Fluorescent lamps, emitting UV-B radiation, induce disease activity in
photosensitive SLE patients.
Lamps emit substantial levels of UV-B (280-320 nm) radiation, which is toxic
to patients with SLE.

Fluorescent light photosensitivity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Rihner M, McGrath H Jr., Arthritis Rheum. 1992 Aug;35(8):949-52.
Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112.
OBJECTIVE. To determine the prevalence of fluorescent light toxicity in patients with systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS. SLE patients were polled about their symptomatic
responses to sunlight and cool white fluorescent light. Photometry was used to determine the
levels of ultraviolet (UV) emissions from fluorescent lamps. RESULTS. Thirteen of 30
photosensitive SLE patients described increases in disease activity following exposure to
unshielded fluorescent lamps. Photometry indicated that these lamps emit substantial levels of
UV-B (280-320 nm) radiation, which is toxic to patients with SLE. Standard acrylic diffusers
absorbed this radiation, and their use was associated with almost no patient-reported problems.
CONCLUSION. Fluorescent lamps, emitting UV-B radiation, induce disease activity in
photosensitive SLE patients. Standard acrylic diffusers absorb UV-B radiation and appear to be
protective against induction of disease activity with the use of fluorescent lamps.
PMID: 1642660

References:
[Sewell] Sewell, Brenda "Rion" , Lupus, the Sun, and UV Rays
[Navy] Ultraviolet Radiation Guide, Navy Environmental Health Center, April 1992
What is Ultraviolet Radiation?, Saskatchewan Labour Ultraviolet Radiation
UVR from Fluorescent Lamps, British Health Protection Agency, [Ultraviolet Radiation from
Fluorescent Lamps] This article lists UVA and UVB radiation emitted from fluorescent lights.
[XP UV notes] Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation as it Relates to XP, Xeroderma Pigmentosum Society,
http://www.xps.org/uvnotes.htm

UVA (ultraviolet-A): long- wave solar rays of 320-400 nanometers (billionths of a

meter). Although less likely than UVB to cause sunburn, UVA penetrates the skin more
deeply, and is considered the chief culprit behind wrinkling, leathering, and other
aspects of "photoaging." The latest studies show that UVA not only increases UVB 's
cancer-causing effects, but may directly cause some skin cancers, including
melanomas.
UVB (ultraviolet-B): short-wave solar rays of 290-320 nanometers. More potent than
UVA in producing sunburn, these rays are considered the main cause of basal and
squamous cell carcinomas as well as a significant cause of melanoma.
Sunblocks and sunscreens: Sunscreens chemically absorb UV rays, sunblocks
physically deflect them. Sunscreen has long blocked UVB effectively, but until recently
provided less UVA protection. New ingredients such as octylcrylene and the
benzophenones have improved sunscreen's defenses against shorter UVA rays, and
the revolutionary chemical avobenzone (Parsol 1789) works against all UVA
wavelengths.
Sunblocks have also markedly improved. New preparations such as micronized titanium
dioxide are less conspicuous on the skin and offer substantial protection against both
UVA and UVB.
SPF (sun protection factor): measures the length of time a product protects against
skin reddening from UVB, compared to how long the skin takes to redden without
protection. If it takes 20 minutes without protection to begin reddening, using an SPF 15
sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer -- about 5 hours. (Actually, it
may take up to 24 hours after sun exposure for redness to become visible.) To maintain
the SPF, reapply sunscreen every two hours and right after swimming.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF's of at least 15, which block 93 percent
of UVB. While SPF's higher than 30 block only 4 percent more UVB, they may be
advisable for sun-sensitive individuals, skin cancer patients, and people at high risk of
developing skin cancer. They also allow some margin for error if too little sunscreen is
applied.

While SPF is the universal measurement of UVB protection, no comparable standard

exists for UVA. Scientists worldwide are working to develop a standardized testing and
certification method to measure UVA protection.
Broad-spectrum protection: The phrase indicates that a product shields against UVA
as well as UVB. It does not guarantee protection against all UVA wavelengths, however.
Most broad-spectrum sunscreens and sunblocks with an SPF of 15 or higher do a good
job against UVB and short UVA rays; if they also contain avobenzone, zinc oxide, or
titanium dioxide, they should be effective against the entire UVA spectrum.
Even with the ideal sunscreen, some UV rays can get through to your skin and cause
damage. The Skin Cancer Foundation considers sunscreen one part of a
comprehensive sun protection program, along with sun-protective clothing, sunglasses,
shade, and sun avoidance from 10A.M. to 4 PM.