A new way of intimidation: UV radiation

UV radiation in Germany has increased by 10% in more than two decades

New warnings about various changes in nature regularly reach the public. It seems that ultraviolet (UV) radiation will now be added to the already extensive list. The same rays that have reached the Earth throughout its lifetime are now being presented as a serious threat to human health, as it has become clear that UV radiation has increased significantly over the last couple of decades^[1].

One significant study in Germany has shown that between 1997 and 2022, UV radiation in the Dortmund region increased by more than 10%. This indicates that not only has the intensity of UV radiation increased, but that other Central European countries have seen an even greater increase. In Brussels, Belgium, for example, radiation levels increased by almost 20% over the same period.

These findings were published in the journal Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences. The scientists who published the study say that such data raises many questions about the consequences of these changes. The researchers also explain that they were surprised by the results when they found the increase in UV radiation, as it was previously thought that UV radiation levels had increased only slightly since the late 1990s.

What is UV radiation?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a spectrum of electromagnetic waves that is shorter in wavelength than visible light but longer than X-rays. UV rays are invisible to the human eye, but their effects on human health and the environment are very significant^[2].

UV radiation is divided into three main groups based on wavelength:

• UV-A (320-400 nm): These are the longest wavelengths that reach the earth's surface and account for about 95% of the UV radiation we are exposed to. UV-A penetrates deep into the skin and is responsible for skin aging, wrinkling, and permanent skin damage.
• UV-B (280-320 nm): UV-B rays are much more dangerous than UV-A because they cause direct damage to the skin, such as burns, and increase the risk of cancer. Only about 5% of UV-B rays reach the earth's surface, but their effects are very strong.
• UV-C (100-280 nm): These are the shortest and most dangerous rays, which are almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and therefore hardly reach the ground.

The increase in UV radiation is due to several main reasons

Increases in UV radiation have been recorded in the Dortmund and Brussels regions, which are at similar latitudes. However, scientists believe that the rest of the world will face a similar problem because changes in UV radiation are linked to what is happening in other places.

Scientists say that one of the main factors behind the increase in UV radiation is reduced cloud cover in central Europe. The reduced cloud cover means it takes longer for the sun's rays to reach the earth's surface, which means that UV radiation has more time to reach our skin^[3].

It has also been suggested that climate change may contribute to changes in UV radiation, which may lead to increased UV exposure, as sunlight is now taking longer to reach us than before.

So it seems that when the public hears this news, they will start to enjoy the clouds, whereas they used to enjoy sunny days more in the past. This is especially true in countries where rain and clouds are much more common and the lack of sunshine often leads to the need to take extra vitamin D.

The effects of UV radiation on human health are not only harmful but also beneficial

Although scientists are now trying to warn people about the harms of UV radiation, it must be stressed that UV radiation can be harmful and beneficial to health. UV radiation helps our bodies to produce important vitamin D. However, overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health problems, especially in the case of prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun.

UV rays are essential for the human body as they help produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is very important for bone health as it helps the body to absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

In addition, vitamin D strengthens the immune system and regulates many bodily functions, including nervous system health. Exposure to UV radiation can help to achieve optimal levels of vitamin D in the body.

However, it is important to remember that exposure to the sun for too long and unprotected by any means can have serious health consequences. In particular, it is a major risk factor for skin cancer. UV rays cause DNA damage to skin cells, and this damage can turn into cancer cells, especially if a person stays in the sun for a long time without protection.

Skin cancer, including melanoma, is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, and UV radiation is directly linked to this disease. The more often and for longer periods of time a person is exposed to the sun without any protection and at the most intense times of the day, the more likely they are to develop this dangerous disease.

In addition, UV rays promote skin aging. UV-A rays penetrate deeper into the skin and stimulate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to loss of elasticity and wrinkles. This is called photoaging. In addition, prolonged exposure to UV can also cause damage to the eye, such as cataracts or retinal damage, which can lead to serious visual impairment or even blindness.

How can I protect myself from UV exposure?

But even though scientists are trying to warn about the increase in UV radiation and its damage, there is still no need to panic or to propose the use of jets to create more artificial clouds and block the sun. The important thing is to remember how to protect yourself from UV radiation.

There are several ways to reduce UV exposure. First of all, it is recommended to use a high-quality sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This will help protect your skin from overexposure to UV-B rays, which can cause sunburn and long-term skin damage.

It is also recommended to wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers during the most intense UV rays to minimize the skin's exposure to direct UV rays. Sunglasses with UV protection should also be worn to protect your eyes from dangerous rays. Remember to take advantage of the shade when the sun is at its most intense, and generally try to avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation levels are at their highest.