Skip to main content
OSTI.GOVU.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information
 

Harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation

Journal Article · · JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association; (USA)
OSTI ID:7067878
Tanning for cosmetic purposes by sunbathing or by using artificial tanning devices is widespread. The hazards associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation are of concern to the medical profession. Depending on the amount and form of the radiation, as well as on the skin type of the individual exposed, ultraviolet radiation causes erythema, sunburn, photodamage (photoaging), photocarcinogenesis, damage to the eyes, alteration of the immune system of the skin, and chemical hypersensitivity. Skin cancers most commonly produced by ultraviolet radiation are basal and squamous cell carcinomas. There also is much circumstantial evidence that the increase in the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma during the past half century is related to increased sun exposure, but this has not been proved. Effective and cosmetically acceptable sunscreen preparations have been developed that can do much to prevent or reduce most harmful effects to ultraviolet radiation if they are applied properly and consistently. Other safety measures include (1) minimizing exposure to ultraviolet radiation, (2) being aware of reflective surfaces while in the sun, (3) wearing protective clothing, (4) avoiding use of artificial tanning devices, and (5) protecting infants and children.
OSTI ID:
7067878
Journal Information:
JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association; (USA), Journal Name: JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association; (USA) Vol. 262:3; ISSN 0098-7484; ISSN JAMAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Sunscreens: topical and systemic approaches for protection of human skin against harmful effects of solar radiation
Journal Article · Wed Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · J. Am. Acad. Dermatol.; (United States) · OSTI ID:6560947
Prolonged ultraviolet light-induced erythema and the cutaneous carcinoma phenotype
Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1976 · J. Invest. Dermatol.; (United States) · OSTI ID:7226209
Risk reduction for nonmelanoma skin cancer with childhood sunscreen use
Journal Article · Thu May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · Arch. Dermatol.; (United States) · OSTI ID:5559365

Related Subjects

560152* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Animals
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGE GROUPS
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CARCINOGENESIS
CHILDREN
DOSES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ERYTHEMA
EYES
FACE
HEAD
MAMMALS
MAN
ORGANS
PATHOGENESIS
PRIMATES
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RISK ASSESSMENT
SENSE ORGANS
SKIN
SYMPTOMS
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
VERTEBRATES