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Solar UV Radiation

Skin Cancer Information

Solar Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) is a known carcinogen.
It cannot be seen or felt and is the primary cause of skin cancer

Skin cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer.
It is now one of the biggest cancer killers in 15-34 year olds.

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Sunburn is a reaction to UV radiation and is a clear sign that
you have seriously damaged your skin.

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Sunbeds are not safe - FACT! UV radiation from sunbeds can
cause serious and irreparable damage and cause melanoma

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Worried about Vitamin D? Know the facts and how much sun
we need to produce the required daily levels.

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Our skin is our body’s largest organ that performs a variety of
vital functions - learn how UVR affects and damages our skin

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All skin types can be damaged by UVR, but some skin types
and family history of skin cancer can mean you are more at risk

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Solar Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) cannot be seen or felt and is a
known carcinogen to humans.

Understanding solar UVR is vital for understanding why sun protection control measures are recommended to protect our skin and how if we are not protected properly, UV can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.

Did you know that UVR from the sun:

  • Is high-energy radiation, capable of causing damage to living organisms.
  • Is carcinogenic to humans.
    Cannot be seen or felt.
  • Is not related to temperature.
  • Can pass through clouds.
  • Can pass through loosely woven material.
  • Can bounce off reflective surfaces such as metal, concrete, water and snow.
  • Is essential to health in small amounts.

What is UVR, UVA, UVB and UVC?

UVR is part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun. The sun emits 3 types of ultraviolet
(UV) light/radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC radiation is blocked by the ozone layer whilst UVA and UVB both reach the earth's surface and penetrate our skin.
UVB rays have a short wavelength that reaches the outer layer of your skin called the epidermis and UVA rays have a longer wavelength that can penetrate the middle of the skin called the dermis.

Small amounts of skin exposure to solar UVR are essential in the production of vitamin D and are beneficial for health. However, it's important to acknowledge that whilst some sun is good for us, it
should not be taken to excess - everything in moderation! To find out more about the sun, Vitamin D and how much daily exposure is recommended click here.

The diagram below shows how the sun's rays penetrate our skin, which rays are responsible for causing damage to our skin and explains the function of sunscreen on our skin.
Please click on the diagram to enlarge.

The following related topics may be of interest, please click on the tabs to learn more.

The UV ForecastOur Skin - FactsSunbeds And UVVitamin D And UV
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Download all you need to
know in one handy little book
DOWNLOAD NOW
Skin Cancer Prevention Top Tips
Skin Cancer Prevention Top Tips
Look after your skin and follow
the golden rules of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Learn how to check your skin and
what you should be looking for...
LEARN MORE
Spotlight Topics

Sun Safe Schools
Sun Safe Schools
National primary school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist schools and parents on the importance of sun safety
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Sun Safe Nurseries
Sun Safe Nurseries
National pre-school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist settings and parents on the importance of sun safety
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Sun Safe Workplaces
Sun Safe Workplaces
National workplace accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach outdoor workers and employers the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
MASCED.UK
MASCED.UK
National Accreditation Scheme for hair, health and beauty professionals to promote the prevention and early detection of skin cancer and save lives.
LEARN MORE

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