UVA & UVB : A Quick Look at UV Radiation
- May 2025
- 5min
As healthcare professionals, you play a crucial role in educating patients about sun safety and skin cancer prevention. Understanding UV radiation is crucial for assessing potential health risks associated with sun exposure and developing appropriate sun safety measures to protect individuals from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Here are 3 key things to know about UV radiation:
Not all rays are equal
95% of UV radiation comes from UVA, while 5% comes from UVB
UVB (290-320nm)1,2
Skin Penetration: Epidermis
Ozone Absorption: Partially absorbed
Primary Effects: Sunburn, skin cancer
Other : Mostly blocked by glass and clouds
UVA (320-400nm)1,2
Skin Penetration: Dermis
Ozone Absorption: Not absorbed
Primary Effects: Aging, skin cancer, photo dermatoses, photosensitivity
Other: Penetrates glass and clouds
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