Ultraviolet radiation essay

Ultraviolet radiation is produced by high-temperature surfaces, such as the Sun, in a continuous spectrum and by atomic excitation in a gaseous discharge tube as a discrete spectrum of wavelengths. Most of the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is absorbed by oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere, which forms the ozone layer of the lower stratosphere.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is undetectable by the human eye, although, when it falls on certain materials, it may cause them to fluoresce—i.e., emit electromagnetic radiation of lower energy, such as visible light. Many insects, however, are able to see ultraviolet radiation.

Ultraviolet (UV) photons harm the DNA molecules of living organisms in different ways. In one common damage event, adjacent bases bond with each other, instead of across the “ladder.”. This makes a bulge, and the distorted DNA molecule does not function properly. (Illustration by David Herring)

Ultraviolet radiation. Constant exposure to the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation induces most of the skin changes commonly associated with aging, such as wrinkling, thickening, and changes in pigmentation. There is also a much higher frequency of skin cancer, particularly in persons with fair skin.