Hygiena 2009, 54(2):57-61

Ultraviolet Radiation and its Health Impact

Ariana Lajčíková, Luděk Pekárek
Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha

The present state of knowledge of health consequences connected with human exposure to UV radiation is summarized. The danger of cancer promotion is emphasized and an overview is given of different types of skin neoplasia connected with excessive UV exposure. Due to that significant health risk, additional exposure using artificial sources of UV radiation (sunbeds) appears dangerous and hence undesirable. Recommendations of International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) concerning protection of human health against non-ionizing radiation are described and WHO activities in this area briefly mentioned. Different phototypes of human skin are examined in some detail and the possibility of their protection against UV radiation assessed. A definition of the UV index is presented and the purpose of its introduction explained. Czech institutions which monitor this parameter are listed. The review is closed with information about limit values for the exposure of workers to UV radiation of artificial sources.

Keywords: UV radiation - health risks, UV index, skin phototypes, skin protection against UV radiation, UV exposure limits, skin cancer

Received: July 2008; Accepted: January 6, 2009; Published: June 1, 2009  Show citation

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Lajčíková A, Pekárek L. Ultraviolet Radiation and its Health Impact. Hygiena. 2009;54(2):57-61.
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