Ultraviolet light

Ultraviolet light is a type of light which we cannot see or feel. It is also called ultraviolet radiation, UV radiation or UV rays. Most UV radiation comes from the sun. Even though we cannot see or feel it, UV radiation can affect us.

How does UV radiation affect us?

UV radiation can affect us in the following ways:

• Vitamin D: A little UV radiation can be good as it helps our bodies make vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for our health.

• Sunburn: If you are in the sunlight for a long time, UV radiation can cause sunburn. In the picture below you can see someone’s skin peeling off after getting a sunburn.

• Premature aging: Too much UV radiation over a long time can cause people to look much older than they are.

• Cancer: Too much UV radiation can cause skin cancer. The picture below shows what skin cancer looks like.

• Effects on your eyes: UV radiation can damage your eyes. This is why you should not look directly at the sun.

Reflected UV radiation

UV radiation can be reflected off objects and back into our eyes. Over time, this can damage our eyes. Asphalt, concrete, sand, water and sea foam can reflect some UV radiation from the sun. Snow can reflect a large amount of UV radiation into our eyes. UV radiation reflected from snow can cause people to go blind for a day or two.