The term “ultraviolet radiation” refers to invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sunlamps. People who are constantly exposed to it, for example in medicine, industry or for cosmetic purposes, have risk of health problems, such as skin cancer and eye damage.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that reaches the Earth’s surface is made up of two types of rays: UVA and UVB. Its range begins at shorter wavelengths, which is identified as violet, hence its name, explains the Superintendence of Occupational Risks of Argentina in the document. Guide to Action and Diagnosis of Occupational Diseases.
Solar radiation is the main source of UVR, however, with the advancement of technology, artificial sources have been created such as lamps used for manicures and tanning beds. It is also used in industry, hospitals, for disinfection or for cosmetic purposes, among others.
The problem is that the two types of rays emitted by ultraviolet radiation can affect health; there are no safe UV rays. For example, UVB rays have more energy and are a more potent cause of at least some types of skin cancer.
“Artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation produce radiation. When we use them constantly might lead to early cell death. Many are associated with the causes of skin cancer,” says Evelyn Oliva, dermatologist. Photodermatitis can also occur, which is characterized by inflammation of the skin.
Eye damage
Prolonged exposure to UV rays, as ultraviolet radiation is also called, can damage your eyesight, for example, causing glare burns on the cornea.
“Those who are exposed to UVR wear equipment to protect their eyes. We see blacksmiths, for example, wearing a welding mask for protection; At tanning beds they are given glasses designed to protect their eyes.; It is even recommended that when the sun shines on snow or water, lenses that filter ultraviolet light are used,” says Oscar Ortiz, ophthalmologist.
The expert points out that It is not advisable to look directly at the sun for long periods because it can cause permanent vision loss by damaging the retina. “All sources of UVR cause certain damage to our health when we are exposed to them for a long time,” he emphasizes.
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After long periods of exposure to UVR, you can feel pain in your eyes, have the sensation that you have something inside your eyes, like when you have a tab or a trash can; You will be sensitive to light and may even experience tearing. These symptoms can occur six to twelve hours following being in front of a source of UV rays.
Prolonged exposure can damage eye tissues and cause redness and inflammation. Depending on the level of exposure, a burn in the corneal area, cataracts and actinic conjunctivitis might occur. Additionally, actinic keratitis causes symptoms such as blurred vision, excessive tearing, pain, and redness.
Risk activities
The main source of UVR is the sun, therefore, people who work outdoors such as gardeners, builders, ranchers, farmers, among others, are at risk of suffering from illness due to prolonged exposure to UV rays.
There are artificial sources of UVR that might also put the health of those who use them for a long time at risk. For example, black light lamps, germicides and various existing in laboratories, UVA therapiessolar lamps and tanning beds, welders, among others.
In medicine, special laser lamps have been created to treat certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, vitiligo and skin tumors caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, the document reads. Guide to Action and Diagnosis of Occupational Diseases.
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