Ultraviolet light comes from the sun's rays but is invisible to
humans. Two of the three forms of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB rays, reach
the earth and can damage a person's skin and eyes.
UVA and UVB
rays are reaching the earth at greater intensities with the thinning of the
ozone layer.
- UVA rays are most intense in the morning and
afternoon. These rays go right through window glass and can penetrate deeply
into the skin. These rays can cause temporary and permanent skin
changes.
- UVB rays are most intense around the middle of the day
when the sun is brightest, between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in most areas.
Window glass blocks these rays. UVB rays affect the outer layer of the skin and
can cause sunburns.
A person may look tan soon after being exposed to UVA and
UVB rays. Long-term effects of exposure include premature aging, wrinkling,
skin damage, and sometimes skin cancer.
Tanning booths also use
and transmit ultraviolet light.
