Ultraviolet radiation health effects

Similar commercial radiation instruments are available, including those sensitive enough to detect alpha radiation. Health effects of exposure to radiation can vary (see Figure 9.9). Nonionizing radiation comes from ultraviolet and infrared energy waves. This type of radiation causes a sunburn type of injury. This is not a major concern for hazardous materials responders. Ionization damage occurs at the cellular level. Four types of short-term effects on the cells can occur ... 

Measured total column ozone has fallen between about 1970 and 1994. Ultraviolet irradiation increases at the surface of the earth due to ozone depletion should peak at about 15% in midlatitudes. The incidence of harmful health effects of UV radiation can be expected to rise, eventually, at midlatitudes. Public health action is still necessary to reduce sun exposure, increase protection against the sun, and develop clear policies on the action that should be taken on early detection and treatment of skin cancers (Armstrong, 1997). 

Physical agents in the environment that may cause illness include solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ionizing radiation (produced by radioactive materials and X-rays), extreme temperatures, noise, vibrations, and particulates. The most famous particulates inducing adverse health effects include asbestos and silica dust. Other physical agents, such as electric or magnetic fields and microwaves, may also cause adverse health effects, but there is of yet not enough solid evidence to support or refute this hypothesis. 

Burnham K, Bey M. Effects of crude oil and ultraviolet radiation on immunity within mouse skin. J Toxicol Environ Health 1991 34(1) 83—93. 

Burnham K, Rahman M. Effects of petrochemicals and ultraviolet radiation on epidermal IA expression in vitro. J Toxicol Environ Health 1992 35(3) 175-85. 

A molecule made up of three atoms of oxygen. In the statosphere, it occurs naturally and it provides a protective layer shielding the Earth from ultraviolet radiation and subsequent harmful health effects on humans and the environment. In the troposphere, it is a chemical oxidant and major component of photochemical smog. 

The most common exposure to ultraviolet radiation is from direct sunlight, and a familiar result of overexposure (one that is known to all sunbathers) is sunburn. Almost everyone is familiar with certain compounds and lotions that reduce the effects of the sun s rays, but many are unaware that some industrial materials, such as cresols, make the skin especially sensitive to ultraviolet rays. After having been exposed to cresols, even a short exposure in the sun usually results in severe sunburn. Nonionizing radiation, although perceived not to be as dangerous as ionizing radiation, does have its share of adverse health effects accompanying it. 

Ohnaka T (1993) Health effects of ultraviolet radiation. Ann Physiol Anthropol 12(1) 1-10... 

The health risks associated with ozone depletion will principally be those due to increased ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation in the environment, that is, increased damage to the eyes, the immune system, and the skin. Some new risks may also be introduced with the increased use of alternatives to the ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). However, the data are insufficient to develop similar estimates for effects such as immunosuppression and the toxicity of alternatives. 

VS. Blazer, D.L. Fabacher, E.E. Little, M.S. Ewing, K.M. Kocan (1997). Effects of ultraviolet-B radiation on fish histologic comparison of a UVB-sensitive and a UVB-tolerant species. J. Aquat. An. Health, 9,132-143. 

M. Nonchemical physical exposures in the workplace are important because they can cause systemic effects that mimic chemical toxidromes. The most important example is heat stress, which is a major occupational health issue. Other relevant nonchemioal, work-related physical exposure types include ionizing radiation, nonionizing radiation (such as ultraviolet, infrared, and microwave exposure), and increased barometric pressure (eg, among caisson workers). Except for extremes of exposure, the adverse effects of these physical factors are generally associated with chronic conditions. 

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