Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR)
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is defined as the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 100 nanometres (nm) and 400nm. UVR is classified by wavelength into three regions:
- UVA – Ultraviolet radiation in the range 315nm to 400nm is thought to contribute to premature and accelerated ageing and wrinkling of the skin, and has recently been implicated as a cause of skin cancer.
- UVB – Ultraviolet radiation in the range 280nm to 315nm is more dangerous than UVA and has been implicated as the major cause of skin cancers, sunburning and cataracts.
- UVC – Ultraviolet radiation in the range 100nm to 280nm is extremely dangerous but does not reach the earth’s surface due to absorption in the atmosphere by ozone.