G5 Uvrays

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GROUP 5 (ULTRAVIOLET RAYS )

*Define ultraviolet radiation


ULTRAVIOLET (UV) RAYS

 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that exists just beyond the violet end of the visible
light spectrum, which is why it’s called “ultraviolet,” meaning “beyond violet.”

 Our eyes cannot detect UV radiation directly, so it’s considered invisible to humans. While we can’t see UV radiation,
some insects, like bees, can see it. However, when UV radiation strikes certain materials, it can cause them to emit light
in the visible range, a process known as fluorescence. For example, fluorescent dyes or certain minerals will glow under
UV light because the UV energy is absorbed and then re-emitted at a lower energy level, in the form of visible light.
This property of UV radiation is widely used in various applications, like forensic analysis, where investigators use UV
light to make substances such as bodily fluids fluoresce for easier detection, and in security, where UV-sensitive inks
are used to print hidden markings on currency and other secure documents.

 The discovery of UV radiation was made in 1801 by Johann Wilhelm Ritter, a German scientist who was fascinated by
the way different colors of light produced different effects. At that time, scientists knew that if they passed white light
through a prism, it would split into a rainbow of colors, or spectrum, ranging from red to violet. Ritter noticed that
silver chloride—a chemical known to react to light by darkening—darkened the fastest when placed just beyond the
violet light. Ritter suspected that there might be an invisible form of light with more energy than violet light, causing
this rapid reaction. He initially called these “chemical rays” because of their ability to cause chemical changes, but the
term “ultraviolet” later came into use, reflecting its position in the spectrum just beyond violet light.

Some Applications of Ultraviolet Radiation

While invisible to us, UV radiation is used across various fields:

 Medical and Health: UV radiation is used to sterilize medical equipment because its high energy can kill
bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

 Water Purification: UV treatment is used in water purification systems, where it kills microorganisms by
breaking down their DNA.

The main source of ultraviolet radiation is the sun, but


Artificial sources of UV radiation also exist, including tanning beds, mercury-vapor lamps, and black lights. These sources
produce UV radiation through various processes and are designed to emit specific types of UV light for particular purposes.
Tanning beds, for example, are engineered to emit UV-A and some UV-B radiation to darken the skin by stimulating melanin
production.

•Based on the interaction of wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation with biological materials, three divisions have been
designated :
There are three main types of UV radiation:

1. UVA (315-400 nm):


- Has the longest Wavelength but the lowest Energy
- also called “black light “. This type of UV radiation penetrates the skin deeply and is responsible for premature aging,
wrinkles, and leathering of the skin. It also contributes to skin cancer. UVA rays have a longer wavelength that can penetrate the
middle layer of your skin, which Is the dermis, that can lead to skin aging or photo aging and contribute to the development of
skin cancers. They are associated with immediate tanning and can exacerbate the harmful effects of UVB rays.

2. UVB (280-315 nm):


- Has Shorter Wavelength than UVA but has the higher energy.
- UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, tanning, blistering and are a significant factor in the development of skin
cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. They penetrate the outer layers of the skin, which is the
epidermis and cause direct DNA damage, leading to mutations that can result in cancer. UVB radiation is most intense during
the summer months and can vary throughout the day based on the sun’s position.

3. UVC (100-280 nm):


- Has the shortest Wavelength but the highest Energy.
- UVC is the most damaging type of UV radiation due to its high energy, which can cause severe cellular damage. However,
UVC radiation is completely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the surface under normal circumstances.
The only significant exposure to UVC for humans typically comes from artificial sources, such as certain types of lamps used in
sterilization.

*Describe where ultraviolet is found on the EMS compared to the other six forms of radiation . In your description , compare
and contrast it's wavelength, frequency and energy with those ot ther regions of the EMS

If we were to compare ultraviolet to visible light, ultraviolet has higher frequency and energy, but has shorter wavelength than
visible light. Note that frequency and energy are directly proportional.

If we were to compare UV to X-rays, UV has lower frequency and energy, but it has longer wavelength than X-rays. Note that
wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional, which means that if EM WAVES’ wavelength are short, they have high
frequency and vise versa.

Waves with higher frequency and energy, the higher the radiation they emit.

Radiation are waves with sufficient energy to cause biological effects. Radiation is classified into two: Ionizing Radiation and
Non-Ionizing Radiation.

Ionizing Radiation

Chemical def’n: Waves with sufficient energy to penetrate or remove tightly bound molecules, atoms, and electrons.

(In short, it’s the general definition of radiation, with sufficient exposure, it causes some biological effects in our body; it could
also alter our DNA and mutations will occur that will likely result to cancer.)

Ionizing EM wave: X-rays and Gamma rays

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Chemical def’n: Waves with insufficient energy to penetrate or remove tightly bound molecules, atoms, and electrons.
(In short, its harmless with sufficient exposure, but harmful with long and high exposure.)

Non-Ionizing EM wave: Radio-UV

 Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses significant health risks to humans, primarily affecting the skin and
eyes

Main Health Risks of UV Radiation Overexposure

Skin Cancer:
- Melanoma: The most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma is linked to intense UV exposure, particularly from sunburns. It
can develop from existing moles or appear as new dark spots on the skin. Melanoma accounts for a large percentage of skin
cancer deaths despite being less common than other skin cancers.
- Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: These include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While generally less deadly
than melanoma, they can still cause significant health issues if not treated promptly. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common
type, appearing as small, fleshy bumps, while squamous cell carcinoma may manifest as red, scaly patches.

Premature Aging:
- UV radiation accelerates skin aging, causing wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and age spots. This condition, known as photo aging,
results from the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin due to UV exposure.

Eye Damage:
- Overexposure to UV radiation increases the risk of cataracts, which cloud the lens of the eye, leading to vision impairment. UV
exposure can also cause other eye problems, such as photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea) and pterygium (growth on the eye
surface). [1]

Immune System Suppression:


- UV radiation can suppress the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off certain diseases and increasing the risk
of infections. This immunosuppression can also contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Describe the common sources of exposure or overexposure


Common sources of overexposure:
 Natural Sources:

- Sunlight: The primary source of UV radiation, especially during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM). UV levels are higher in summer
and at lower latitudes near the equator.

 Artificial Sources:

- Tanning Beds: These devices emit concentrated UV radiation, primarily UVA and some UVB, leading to increased risks of skin
cancer and premature aging.
- Mercury Vapor and Halogen Lights: Common in gyms and stadiums, these lights emit UV radiation that can contribute to skin
damage.
- Black Lights and Certain Lasers: Used in various applications, these can emit UV radiation that poses risks if proper safety
measures are not taken.

describe a technologies or devices or behaviors that can be used for protection or to decrease exposure
Protective Technologies and Devices:

- Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher can significantly reduce UV radiation exposure. They
should be applied generously and reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- UV-Blocking Sunglasses: Sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays protect the eyes and the surrounding skin from
UV damage.
- Protective Clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective fabrics can shield the skin from direct
sunlight. Clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating offers additional protection.

Behavioral Changes:

- Avoiding Peak Sun Hours: Staying indoors or seeking shade during peak UV radiation hours (10 AM to 4 PM) can
significantly reduce exposure.
- Regular Skin Checks: Monitoring the skin for changes, such as new moles or changes in existing moles, can help in early
detection of skin cancer. Regular dermatological check-ups are advisable, especially for those with a history of sunburns or skin
cancer.

 Sunscreen:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is essential for blocking both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
 Sunglasses:
- UV-blocking sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays are crucial for protecting the eyes and surrounding
skin.
 Protective Clothing:
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective fabrics can shield the skin from direct sunlight.
- Clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating offers additional protection.

 Wearable UV Sensors:
- Wearable sensors can track personal UV exposure and provide alerts when levels become dangerous.
- These devices often use a companion app to provide information and recommendations.

 Smart Films:
- UV-blocking smart films can be applied to windows, glass partitions, and even eyewear, offering both privacy and UV
protection.
- These films can be switched between transparent and opaque states, allowing for dynamic control of light and privacy.

*Describe how ultraviolet radiation is used in tanning bed technology :

Tanning bed technology refers to the equipment and processes used to create an artificial tan by mimicking the sun's ultraviolet
(UV) radiation.

How Tanning Beds Work:


Tanning beds use UV lamps to produce UVA and UVB radiation, which stimulate melanin production in the skin, resulting in a
tan.
While tanning beds can provide a convenient way to achieve a tan and potentially boost vitamin D production, they also pose
significant health risks, including an increased risk of skin cancer. It is crucial to consult with a dermatologist before using
tanning beds and to use them responsibly.

The process(tanning bed) involves two main types of UV rays:

- UVA rays: These rays penetrate deeply into the skin and stimulate melanin production, leading to a tan. While less likely to
cause sunburn than UVB rays, UVA rays can contribute to skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- UVB rays: These rays mainly affect the outer skin layers and are the primary cause of sunburn. They also contribute to tanning
by stimulating melanin production, but they are more strongly linked to harmful effects like skin cancer.

Tanning beds typically house UV lamps that emit a combination of UVA and UVB rays. When the skin is exposed to these rays,
it responds by producing more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color .This increased melanin helps to absorb UV rays,
providing some protection from further damage. The result is a darker skin tone, or a tan

However, despite the tanning effect, UV radiation from tanning beds poses significant health risks. The World Health
Organization has classified UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans, linking them to an increased risk of
melanoma and other skin cancers. Therefore, it is crucial to use tanning beds with caution and to prioritize sun protection
measures.

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