UV Radiation, Essay Example

There are various environmental aspects that affect human beings in a negative way. One of them is ultra violet rays, which are radiated from the sun. Prolonged human exposure to the ultra violet rays results in acute and chronic health effects to the skin, immune system and causes eye problems (Kricker & Armstrong, 1993). The long exposure to these rays also induces some degenerative changes in skin cells; fibrous tissues and affect blood vessels. This results to premature aging of the skin and actinic keratoses. The other major effect of ultra violet rays is the inflammatory reaction to the eyes and leads to skin cancer. Studies have also suggested that environmental levels of ultra violet rays suppress cell immunity. This leads to enhancement of high risk of infectious diseases and hinder vaccinations effectiveness (World Health Organization, 1995).

Ozone layer plays a very important role in the atmosphere. It has great importance for human life.  It absorbs the harmful ultra violet radiation, preventing its penetration to the earth surface. It acts as a filter to the ultra violet rays allowing life to continue in a healthy environment on the earth (Ghetti & Bornman, 2006).

Many of the activities that happen in the society have negative effects to the Ozone layer. For example, industries emit gases, which weaken the ozone layer leading to the penetration of the ultra violet rays without being filtered (Great Britain National Radiological Protection Board, 2002). This calls for urgent need to control these activities. There should be measures, which should be put into place in the community l level to prevent the emissions of the gases. The community can prevent this destruction by contributing money and time to environmental agencies that are involved healing the ozone. With the support, the agencies are able to organize activities that would promote the understanding of the ozone problem. The society can assist in the problem of ozone destruction through education.  I would disseminate this information through organizing forums, and use of pamphlets provides information on the importance of the control measures.

References

Ghetti, F. & Bornman, J. (2006). Environmental UV radiation: impact on ecosystems and human health and predictive models, Vol 57. Dordrecht: Springer Publishers.

Great Britain National Radiological Protection Board (2002). Health effects from ultraviolet radiation: report of an advisory group on non-ionising radiation, Vol 11. London: National Radiological Protection Board.

Kricker, A. & Armstrong, B.(1993). H ealth, solar UV radiation and environmental change, 13^th edition. New York: International Agency for Research on Cancer publication.

World Health Organization (1995). Health and environmental effects of ultraviolet radiation: a summary of environmental health criteria 160 ultraviolet radiation. New York: World Health Organization.