Health Effects Of UV Radiation

We can not deny that climate change has an obvious and direct impact on us humans. One of its impacts is UV radiation. In this article, we will tackle the health effects of UV radiation and what we can do even in our house to minimize its impact. 

Because of the increasing carbon dioxide emission, our ozone layer depletion has decreased our atmosphere’s natural protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Major health problems are linked to overexposure to UV radiation and understanding these risks and taking sensible precautions will help you enjoy the sun while reducing your chances of sun-related health problems. 

These are:

Skin Cancer

In the US alone, there are more new cases of skin cancer compared to cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. According to research, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Unprotected UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. One way to cope with this problem is to get UV tint for home windows. 

Melanoma

It is also a form of skin cancer but the more serious one. Melanoma is common cancer among adolescents and young adults ages 15-29. UV exposure and sunburns, particularly during childhood are risk factors for the disease, but not all melanomas are exclusively sun-related. Other possible influences include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies.

Premature Aging and Skin Damage

Skin disorders caused by UV include actinic keratoses and premature aging of the skin. Actinic keratoses are skin growths that occur in body areas exposed to the sun. The face, hands, forearms, and neck are especially susceptible to this type of lesion. In addition, actinic keratoses are a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. 

Exposure to the sun also causes premature aging, which over time can make the skin become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Since it occurs gradually, premature aging is often regarded as an unavoidable, normal part of growing older. With proper protection from UV radiation like having UV film for home windows, most premature aging of the skin can be avoided.

Cataracts and Other Eye Damage

Cataracts are a form of eye damage in which a loss of transparency in the lens of the eye clouds vision. If it is not treated, cataracts can lead to blindness. Research also shows that UV radiation increases the likelihood of certain cataracts. Even though it is curable with modern eye surgery, cataracts diminish the eyesight of millions of Americans and cost billions in medical care each year. These eye problems can be lessened with proper eye protection like sunglasses, contact lens of even UV tint for home windows.

Final Thoughts

Overexposure to UV radiation may suppress the proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses. Skin normally mounts a defense against foreign invaders such as cancers and infections but overexposure to UV radiation can weaken the immune systems, reducing the skin’s ability to protect against these invaders. Investing in quality UV film for home windows is a good start.