Harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation

Journal Article · Fri Jul 21 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · 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), Vol. 262:3; ISSN 0098-7484
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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