By Harith A.R.
As most people are aware, our Sun produces a significant amount of Ultraviolet radiation or more commonly known as UV, which can be good but it is more likely to cause detrimental effects to our health especially when it comes to our skin. Most of us, especially in Malaysia, may not be fully aware of the effect that UV rays may have on us as we might be taking things too easy since our country is already scorching hot as it is.
It has been decided that July will be the suitable month to spread awareness regarding this issue since this is the month when summer starts in certain countries and people will most likely go to the beach or go on a vacation which they may forget to take a few precautions during their time off. Although Malaysia does not have a summer season, our country can be extremely hot most of the time, so it is definitely good to spread awareness regarding this issue as well!
What are UV rays?
Ultraviolet radiation is an emission of rays, most likely from the Sun. The radiation can cause irritation to the skin as a short-term effect, but more exposure to the UV rays will likely contribute as a factor to skin cancer. However, there are other artificial sources of UV rays that come from things other than the Sun, such as tanning beds and welding torches. UV rays are categorised into different sections according to District Health Department #10:
UVA rays: Contains the least energy among other UV rays. They can cause skin cells to age and cause indirect damage to the cells’ DNA.
UVB rays: Have more energy than UVA rays which can damage the DNA in skin cells directly and are thought to be the most probable cause of skin cancer.
UVC rays: Emits the most energy among other UV rays. However, because of their reaction to the high ozone layer, they don’t normally reach the ground and are not as risky as UVB rays. However, they may come from artificial sources such as welding torches, mercury lamps, and UV sanitising bulbs.
How can UV rays affect us?
Long exposure to UV can have an effect on us. The more we spend time under the objects that emit this radiation, the more likely our skin will come into contact with the cancer it brings.
How to prevent UV rays from damaging our skin?
As it is impossible for human beings not to come in contact with UV rays especially people who spend almost all of their time under the Sun; there are a few suggestions or recommendations to reduce the risk of coming in contact with cancerous emissions:
Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
Wear anything that can cover your head, such as a cap or hat.
Wear sunglasses that have UV ray protection which can help in protecting your eyes, head, and face.
Bring an umbrella with you; it may not rain but it helps in protecting you especially if you are walking long enough under the Sun.
Use sunscreen to help protect any skin that cannot be covered with your clothes.
It is fairly easy to forget how much the Sun can affect us. To protect one another from being at risk of skin cancer, it is a good reminder to stay vigilant and spread awareness to others as well. Since semester break is about to start soon and most of the students are likely to go out on vacations as they go home, do take care and stay safe!
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