Vitamin D Synthesis: exposure to UVB initiates vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid that is necessary for calcium and phosphorus absorption. It is synthesized in adequate amounts by exposure to sunlight, so taking dietary pills is not necessary. It is also an immune regulator, and has been shown to reduce the risks of rheumatoid arthritis in women.
Medical Use: ultraviolet radiation is used to help treat psoriasis. This treatment helps clear the disorder, however it greatly increases the risk of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer: overexposure to UVB causes sunburns, but also skin cancer. UVC rays are the most dangerous type of ultraviolet light because they are the highest in energy. UVA, UVB, and UVC all directly damage DNA, so protection from all three forms is necessary.
UV radiation walks a thin line between being a benefit and a harm to humans. It is necessary for vitamin D synthesis, however it can be lethal by causing different forms of cancers. Without vitamin D, we can not absorb calcium which is crucial for our bones. However, spending too much time in the sun unprotected can result in cancer.
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