Imagine the days without sun. The Earth would be in complete darkness, like an eternal night without a moon—although it has no light of its own—and the temperature well below 0 °C. The survival of plants, animals and human beings would be at stake, since the main source of light, heat and energy on the planet comes from the sun.
According to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam) of Colombia, the Earth’s surface, soils and oceans, as well as the atmosphere, absorb solar energy and re-radiate it as heat in all directions. The sun also plays an important role in the production of oxygen, for the continuity of life.
Although sunlight is constant, according to Joel Ixcamparij, a technician at the Department of Meteorological Research and Services of the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh), the perception that its power has intensified is due to the absence of humidity in the environment and low cloud cover, especially in the current season of the year.
“We have had the influence of cold fronts and every time they approach, a high pressure—dry air mass—that does not have much moisture content is recorded, and that gives the perception of more heat,” explains Ixcamparij.
The humidity that should enter from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans has been insufficient. Rainfall maps in recent days report zero precipitation in most parts of the country. The little that rains evaporates quickly and increases that sensation.
On the other hand, because the skies are clear, the incidence of solar radiation is felt more directly.
“The sun emits different wavelengths, but most of the radiation that is harmful to health, ultraviolet, is filtered by the ozone layer in the atmosphere. However, there is always some radiation that affects us, which is why there are recommendations that are made to the population and monitoring of the radiation index is maintained,” he adds.
Benefits of the sun
Exposure to the sun’s rays brings health benefits, such as strengthening the immune system, increasing hemoglobin in the blood, as well as improving cardiovascular functions, but it should be done in moderation.
In addition, sunbathing increases the production of betaendorphins in the pituitary, which generates a feeling of well-being, regulates the sleep cycle and prevents some skin diseases such as psoriasis and acne.
An essential benefit of the sun’s rays is that they provide vitamin D, which contributes to the strengthening of bones by improving the absorption of calcium. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties important for the immune system, muscle function and brain cell activity.
Dermatologist Karla Arriaga Pérez, from the Comprehensive Medical Care Center for Pensioners (Camip) 3 Zunil, of the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security (IGSS), explains that vitamin D helps prevent malignant tumors such as breast, ovarian, prostate and uterus.
This vitamin can be obtained through the diet, by eating foods such as fatty fish, beef liver, egg yolk and cheese, but the amount they provide is minimal, as they only contribute to obtaining between 10 and 20 percent of the requirement. diary.
The professional mentions that although sun exposure is necessary, it should not be abused, which is why she recommends sunbathing in the early hours of the day, before 10 in the morning, when the radiation is less intense, and for a 10 minute period.
The damage caused by the sun on a person depends on the time they have been exposed to those rays throughout their life, and according to the dermatologist, in the first two decades they would have already absorbed 80 percent.
Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a non-ionizing form—low energy—and there are three types: ultraviolet A (UVA), which is not absorbed by the ozone layer and penetrates deeper into the skin; ultraviolet B (UVB), which is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, and ultraviolet C (UVC), which is retained by the ozone layer and the atmosphere, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diseases (CDC) of the United States.
“Excess ultraviolet A radiation causes premature aging, generates long-term skin spots and wrinkles. Ultraviolet B radiation damages the DNA of the skin and in the long term can cause cancer,” warns Arriaga Pérez.
The Insivumeh report indicates that the maximum peak incidence of solar radiation is recorded around noon, when it might be said that the sun is positioned above our head.
The ultraviolet radiation index is established by levels: from zero to two, the lowest, and in the forecast graph published daily by Insivumeh it is assigned the color green; three to five is a moderate range and appears in yellow; six to seven is high and is depicted in orange, while eight to 10 is very high and is listed in red on the chart, and 11 or higher is considered extreme and is illustrated in purple.
The report for today indicates that from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the radiation level will be very high.
Ixcamparij says that there is a basic rule to know when the establishment is greatest. This consists of seeing the shadow that oneself projects. If it is longer than one, exposure to solar radiation is less and the risk of burns is reduced. This occurs very early in the morning or as sunset approaches.
On the contrary, if the shadow is cast shorter, around midday, when the sun is just above the head, the UV radiation is more direct and protection of the skin and eyes is more than necessary.
High rebound
In exposure to the sun’s rays there is another point to consider, and that is the albedo, which is the capacity to reflect radiation that some surfaces have. According to Ixcamparij, white things like snow, clouds and sand, even pavement, have a high bounce, and in water that effect is less.
“We are not only exposed to direct radiation from the sun, but also to the radiation that bounces off these surfaces. Then twice the amount of solar radiation arrives,” he warns.
Ultraviolent radiation remains constant in countries near the Ecuador, such as Guatemala. However, there are local effects that make it more noticeable, such as low cloudiness and humidity. The height at which the person is can also influence, although the variations are minimal.
Ixcamparij points out that the radiation felt in the capital is not the same as that perceived in the Acatenango volcano – three thousand 976 meters above sea level – where the sun’s rays can be more direct.
For its part, the greenhouse effect lets less radiation escape from the atmosphere, which contributes to the increase in temperature, such as in Zacapa, which in recent days has registered a temperature of 40 °C, while in Petén it reached 34 up to 36°C.
recommendations
The dermatologist recommends using sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) of 50 or more, and applying it, above all, to the face and shoulders.
Place sunscreen on the skin at 7, 11 and 3 p.m. If sun exposure is prolonged, the ideal is to do it every two hours.
For direct sun protection it is advisable to wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved clothing, stand in the shade or use an umbrella.
Wear dark glasses to protect your eyes.
When exposing yourself to the sun, hydration is important to avoid heat stroke, which causes headache, nausea, excessive sweating, tachycardia, loss of consciousness and redness of the skin. It is essential to drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
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