Is UV Radiation More Dangerous than Nuclear Radiation?

If you live on the planet Earth, there is no way to escape being exposed to radiation. Humans are exposed to tiny and controllable radioactive doses daily from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation to cosmic, micro, and other types of radiation shielding.

Fortunately, with a bit of knowledge and some simple, regular measures, you can avoid any adverse consequences of UV radiation, including cancer, and enjoy the health advantages of the sunshine state without concern or stress.

What is UV (Ultraviolet) Radiation?

While sunbeds and tanning salons generate UV light, the vast majority of UV radiation humans are exposed to originates from the sun. UV rays do the most significant harm to exposed human skin, although accounting for just a tiny portion of the sun’s radiation. 

In reality, their radiation exposure is classified as ionizing, which means it damages the DNA of our skin cells.

UV rays are classified into three types:

• UVA Rays: UVA rays are responsible for most skin cell damage contributing to aging, such as wrinkles and mild sunspots. Experts also believe that prolonged UVA exposure, such as the higher-than-sun-power levels seen in tanning booths, puts you at risk for skin cancer.
• UVB rays have a higher energy level than UVA rays. They cause direct harm to skin cells, so you may blame UVBs the next time you get terrible sunburn. Repeated skin cell injury destroys the DNA over time, causing damage to the genes that control healthy cell regeneration, which leads to skin cancer. A few severe sunburns as a kid may progress to melanoma as an grown-up for certain people.
• UVC Rays: Although they have greater energy than the other two, they are indeed a source of solar radiation blocked from our planet’s surface by the atmosphere, making them a non-entity for humans.

There is no such thing as “safe” UV radiation, according to most medical experts. As a result, it is your responsibility to take appropriate measures.

Prevent Skin Cancer by Applying Radiation Protection Principles

Because UV rays are a kind of radiation, the Principles of Radiation Shielding apply to people outside on a sunny day just as much as they do to those who work in a radioactive field. The three principles are as follows:

• It should be more beneficial than harmful. UV rays should only be applied to your skin when they benefit you rather than damage you. For example, you’re getting some exercise and spending time with yourself, family, and friends outside. On the other hand, if you want to sleep, you should get off the chaise lounge and go inside to a sofa or bed to limit your exposure.
• It would be best if you kept your exposure duration to a minimum. Sun exposure (UV radiation exposure) peaks around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in most instances. As a result, it’s recommended to spend time outside during these peak hours and to minimize your exposure to UV rays if you must be out throughout those hours.
• Try to keep your radiation exposure to a minimum. If you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended period, try to keep your exposure to a minimum. While a dosimeter isn’t required, you may significantly reduce your UV radiation dosage by wearing long sleeves and trousers, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and attempting to remain in the shade. Sunscreen and eyewear provide further radiation protection.

Final Thoughts

UV Radiation may not be more dangerous than nuclear radiation. However, the protection measure is still necessary. Like the lead shielding system, there must also be a protection system to combat the adverse effect of UV Radiation.

 Remember that most UV rays pass straight through cloud levels and that water and snow may reflect and amplify their impact. Surprisingly, cancer isn’t the only issue caused by UV radiation. UV rays have been shown in studies to raise the incidence of cataracts and other visual disorders and suppress the immune system.