Ultraviolet Radiation: Health Risks and Benefits

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that the incidence of melanoma skin cancer and deaths has been increased globally, where the rate of melanoma skin cancer deaths reaches 75% among the white-skinned population. However, Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is the only known risk factor for developing melanoma skin cancer. In this study, the main concepts about the electromagnetic spectrum are introduced. The visible light bands and wavelengths are presented. The energy classifications of ultraviolet radiation are discussed. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are discussed. The optics of the skin and the interaction mechanisms of light with human skin are discussed. The relationship between ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer is discussed. And the applications and beneficial effects of ultraviolet radiation in many desplines are summarized. However, the main objectives of this study are to gain and provide knowledge about solar radiation exposure risks, benefits, and to identify factors influencing practices that increase the risk for developing melanoma.

Full text

Citation: Samir A. Hamouda, Najla K. Alshawish, Yasin K. Abdalla, Maqboula K. Ibrahim (2022). Ultraviolet Radiation:
Health Risks and Benefits. Saudi J Eng Technol, 7(10): 533-541.
533
Saudi Journal of Engineering and Technology
Abbreviated Key Title: Saudi J Eng Technol
ISSN 2415-6272 (Print) |ISSN 2415-6264 (Online)
Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Journal homepage: https://saudijournals.com
Review Article
Ultraviolet Radiation: Health Risks and Benefits
Samir A. Hamouda1*, Najla K. Alshawish1, Yasin K. Abdalla1, Maqboula K. Ibrahim1
1Department of Physics, University of Benghazi, Libya
DOI: 10.36348/sjet.2022.v07i10.001 | Received: 02.09.2022 | Accepted: 09.11.2022 | Published: 18.11.2022
*Corresponding author: Samir A. Hamouda
Department of Physics, University of Benghazi, Libya
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the incidence of melanoma skin cancer and deaths has been increased globally, where the
rate of melanoma skin cancer deaths reaches 75% among the white-skinned population. However, Ultraviolet (UV) light
exposure is the only known risk factor for developing melanoma skin cancer. In this study, the main concepts about the
electromagnetic spectrum are introduced. The visible light bands and wavelengths are presented. The energy
classifications of ultraviolet radiation are discussed. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are discussed. The optics of the skin
and the interaction mechanisms of light with human skin are discussed. The relationship between ultraviolet radiation and
skin cancer is discussed. And the applications and beneficial effects of ultraviolet radiation in many desplines are
summarized. However, the main objectives of this study are to gain and provide knowledge about solar radiation
exposure risks, benefits, and to identify factors influencing practices that increase the risk for developing melanoma.
Keywords: Skin cancer, visible light bands, UVR sources, forensic investigations, cataracts, human health protection.
Copyright © 2022 The Author(s): This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
License (CC BY-NC 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use provided the original
author and source are credited.
INTRODUCTION
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) interaction with
human skin is so important in a variety of desplines
such as medicine, (food-cosmetic) industry, biology,
physics, research and forensic investigations. However,
exposure to (UVR) occurs from both natural and
artificial sources. The known effects of (UVR) on man
can be detrimental or beneficial depending on the safety
measures that have been taken for protection. Harmful
effects may involve primarily the skin and the eye. An
eye overexposure to (UVR) contributes to the formation
of cataracts. On skin it produce (sunburn), which if
severe enough, may result in blistering and destruction
of skin surface. Therefore, the main objectives of this
study are to gain and provide knowledge about solar
radiation exposure risks, benefits, and to identify factors
influencing practices that increase the risk for
developing melanoma. Understanding the effects of the
solar (UVR) and artificial radiation sources is vital for
human health protection.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum comprises the
spectrum of energy ranging from very long radio waves
to very short gamma rays. It represents the entire
continuous range of electromagnetic radiation
extending from radio waves to gamma rays according to
wavelength, frequency and photon energies. The human
eye can detect and sense only a small portion of this
spectrum called visible light. Figure1 shows the bands
of the electromagnetic spectrum by common names. It
can be stated that there is no sharp cut between bands
but the differences between bands are rather gradual
[1].
Figure 1: Bands of the electromagnetic spectrum by
common names.
An electromagnetic wave consists of electric
field components and magnetic field components
perpendicular to each other and moving with speed of
light (see Figure 2) [1].

Samir A. Hamouda et al; Saudi J Eng Technol, Nov, 2022; 7(10): 533-541
© 2022 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 534
Figure 2: The electromagnetic wave and its
components [2]
However, in this study, emphasis will be
placed on the optical properties of visible light. Light is
the small part of the electromagnetic spectrum of
various wavelengths. The range of wavelengths starts
from the infrared portion to the ultraviolet portion.
Visible Light Bands and Wavelengths:
Visible light occurs in the middle of those two
extremes. Visible light is the small part of the
electromagnetic spectrum that we can see. As shown in
Figure 3, colors exist at different wavelengths from
lowest energy to highest energy: red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, indigo, and violet. Light waves can be
refracted, reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through
various materials.
Figure 3: The visible light spectrum [3]
Ultraviolet Radiation
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) occurs
from both natural and artificial sources. However, the
sun is the principal natural source. The known effects of
UVR on man may be beneficial or detrimental,
depending on a number of circumstances. Artificial
UVR sources are widely used in industry and, because
of the germicidal properties of certain portions of the
UVR spectrum; they are also used in hospitals,
biological laboratories, and schools. UVR is extensively
used for therapeutic purposes, as in the prevention of
vitamin D deficiency, the treatment of skin diseases,
and for cosmetic purposes. Artificial UVR sources are
available as consumer products. The migration of
people between areas of different UVR exposure may
give rise to unforeseen exposures [4].
UVR is classified into UV-A (320-400 nm).,
UV-B (280-320 nm), and UV-C (200-280 nm) regions.
Wavelengths in the UV-C region cause unpleasant, but
usually not serious effects on the skin and eye. UV-C,
from the sun, is virtually completely screened out by the
Earth‟s atmosphere, and is thus a negligible source of
adverse effects on the skin, eye and human health [4].
UV-B is extremely detrimental to living
organisms and is responsible for erythema (sunburn)
and associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.
However, living organisms are usually protected from
excessive solar UV-B radiation by feathers, fur, or
pigments that absorb the radiation before it reaches
sensitive physiological targets. On the other hand, solar
UV-B is crucial in the synthesis of vitamin D, which
some recent studies suggest may potentially reduce risk
of colon, prostate and breast cancers [4].
The biological effects of UV-A radiation are
less known. However, UV-A contributes to skin aging
and has more recently been implicated, along with UV-
B, in the development of skin cancers in animals and in
immunosuppression in humans. It can augment the
biological effects of UV-B and doses of UV-A, in the
presence of certain chemical agents, results in injury to
tissues (photo toxicity, photo allergy, enhancement of
photo carcinogenesis). Although the sun is the main
source of UV-A exposure, use of UV-A emitting lamps
in sunbeds for recreational tanning has raised concern
about artificial sources of human exposure [4, 5].
People can also be exposed to man-made sources of UV
rays. These include:
● Phototherapy (UV therapy): Some skin problems
(such as psoriasis) are helped by treatment with UV
light. For a treatment known as PUVA, a drug called a
PSORALEN (P) is given first. The drug collects in the
skin and makes it temporarily more sensitive to long-
wave ultra- violet light (UVA). Then the patient is
treated with UVA radiation. Another treatment option is
the use of UVB alone without a drug (see Figure 4) [6].
Figure 4: Phototherapy, benefits and risks

Samir A. Hamouda et al; Saudi J Eng Technol, Nov, 2022; 7(10): 533-541
© 2022 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 535
● Black-light lamps: These lamps use bulbs that give
off UV rays (mostly UVA). The bulb also gives off
some visible light, but it has a filter that blocks most of
that out while letting the UV rays through. These bulbs
have a purple glow and are used to view fluorescent
material. Bug-zapping insect traps also use “black light”
that gives off some UV rays, but the bulbs use a
different filter that causes them to glow blue (see Figure
5) [6].
Figure 5: Black-light lamps
● Mercury-vapor lamps: are actually made up of 2
bulbs: an inner bulb that emits light and UV rays, and
an outer bulb that filters out the UV. Mercury-vapor
lamps can be used to light large public areas such as
streets or gyms. They do not expose people to UV rays
if they are working properly. UV exposure can only
occur if the outer bulb is broken. For safety purposes
some mercury-vapor lamps are designed to turn
themselves off when the outer bulb breaks. The ones
that don‟t have this feature are only supposed to be
installed behind a protective layer or in areas where
people wouldn‟t be exposed if part of the bulb breaks
(see figure6) [6].
Figure 6: Mercury-vapor lamps
● Xenon and xenon-mercury arc lamps: are highly
specialized type of gas discharge lamps that produces a
bright white light to simulate sunlight. These lamps are
used as sources of light and UV rays for many
applications, such as using high-intensity ultraviolet
light UV to cure or dry inks, coatings or adhesives
coatings, disinfection, to simulate sunlight and to test
solar panels. Most of these are mainly of concern in
terms of workplace UV exposure (see Figure 7) [6].
Figure 7: And xenon-mercury arc lamp

Samir A. Hamouda et al; Saudi J Eng Technol, Nov, 2022; 7(10): 533-541
© 2022 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 536
Optics of the skin
Human health can be strongly influenced by
exposure to solar radiation. Interactions relevant for
health take place mainly in the skin. In this context the
optics of human skin is of the utmost importance.
Reflection, scattering and absorption are the optical
properties affecting the nature of these interactions.
Skin is a multilayered and inhomogeneous organ.
Figure 8 shows the biological characteristics of its main
constituents, and how they affect the propagation and
absorption of light [7].
Figure 8: Schematic cross-section of human skin tissues and the subcutaneous fat tissue (hypodermis)
The first and outermost section of human skin
is the stratum corneum )ةينرقلا ةقبطلا(, which is a
stratified structure approximately 0.01-0.02 mm thick.
This part is considered as a part of another tissue,
namely the epidermis. The stratum corneum is
composed mainly of dead cells. Light absorption is low
in this tissue; with the amount of transmitted light being
relatively uniform in the visible region of the light
spectrum. The epidermis is a 0.027-0.15mm thick
structure composed of four layers (stratum basale,
stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum and stratum
lucidum). The epidermis absorbs light [7].
The dermis is a 0.6-3mm thick structure and
absorbs light. It is divided into two layers: the papillary
dermis and the reticular dermis. These layers are
primarily composed of dense, irregular connective
tissue with nerves and blood vessels (smaller ones in
the papillary, and larger ones in the reticular dermis)
[7].
The hypodermis is a subcutaneous adipose
tissue characterized by a negligible absorption of light
in the visible region of the spectrum. It is usually not
considered part of the skin, and its size varies
considerably throughout the body. It can be up to 3cm
thick in the abdomen and absent in the eye lids. The
hypodermis presents significant deposits of white fat,
whose cells are grouped together forming clusters. Due
to the presence of these white fat deposits, most of the
visible light that reaches this tissue is reflected back to
the upper layers [7].
Interaction mechanisms of light with human skin:
When light propagates in human skin, there is
a series of complicated interactions with in the skin.
The absorption is the main event during light
propagation in skin. The absorption can be considered
as how the electrons (subatomic particle) bound in the
atoms take up the energy of photons. From the
perspective of atomic physics, the atoms and molecules
that make up matter contain electrons. These electrons
have energy states that can be described by an atomic
orbital. Each orbital has its unique state such as energy,
and these orbitals are discrete. Electrons can also be
transferred from one orbital to another orbital by
emitting or absorbing photons with energy matching the
energy difference between electron orbitals [8].
When light with the same specific frequencies
enters into medium, these electrons will absorb the
energy of light and jump from ground state to excited
state. Electrons at excited state are unstable and will
decay back to ground state with the emission of
electromagnetic energy [8]. Figure 9: summarizes the
mechanisms of light interaction with human skin.
Figure 9: The mechanisms of light interaction with human skin

Samir A. Hamouda et al; Saudi J Eng Technol, Nov, 2022; 7(10): 533-541
© 2022 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 537
Absorption: When a light beam is incident on a
material surface, part of the incident beam is absorbed
through the material. Transmission: When a light beam
is impinged on a material surface, fraction portion of
the incident beam is transmitted through the material.
Scattering: Rayleigh scattering and Compton scattering
(inelastic scattering). Rayleigh scattering: where a
photon interacts with the electrons orbiting an atom and
is scattered without any change in photon energy
(elastic scattering). Compton scattering: where a photon
transfers some of its energy to the atomic electron. The
transferred energy should exceed the electron binding
energy. Photoluminescence: is the emission of light
which is caused by the irradiation of a substance with
other light. Figure3: summarizes the mechanisms of
light interaction with substances. Refraction: is the
change in direction of the incident light at an angle to a
boundary (interface) between two transparent media
with different densities. Reflection: when light is
incident on an interface between media that differ in
refractive index, all of the light will be reflected back
into the medium from where it travels. The Reflected
light comes out at same angle as incident beam, but on
other side of normal [1].
The relationship between ultraviolet radiation and
skin cancer
UVR radiation is classified as a ―complete
carcinogen‖because it is both a mutagen and a non-
specific damaging agent and has properties of both a
tumor initiator and a tumor promoter. In environmental
abundance, UV is the most important modifiable risk
factor for skin cancer and many other environmentally-
influenced skin disorders. However, UV also benefits
human health by mediating natural synthesis of vitamin
D and endorphins in the skin, therefore UV has
complex and mixed effects on human health [9]
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer
in many parts of the world. Skin cancers are mainly
divided into melanoma, and non-melanoma skin
cancers. However, Melanoma (estimated that 132,000
cases occur worldwide each year) is responsible for
most of the cancer related mortalities. The non-
melanoma (estimated that 2–3 million cases occur
worldwide each year) can result in significant
disfigurement, leading to adverse physical and
psychological consequences for the affected patients
[10].
Sunlight is a continuous spectrum of
electromagnetic radiation that is divided into three
major spectrums of wavelength: ultraviolet, visible and
infrared. However, the UV range is the most significant
spectrum of sunlight that causes photo aging and skin
cancer. UVR is subdivided into ultraviolet [UVA (315–
400 nm)], ultraviolet [UVB (280– 315 nm)] and
ultraviolet [UVC (100–280 nm)]. Approximately 90–
99% of the solar UVR energy that reaches the earth‟s
surface is UVA, where only 10% is UVB. One study
indicated that about 65– 90% of all melanomas are
attributable to UVR exposure [10].
The damaging effects of UVR on the skin are
thought to be caused by direct cellular damage and
alterations in immunologic function. UVR produces
DNA damage (formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine
dimers), gene mutations, immunosuppression, oxidative
stress and inflammatory responses, all of which have an
important role in photo aging of the skin and skin
cancer. In addition to this, UVR creates mutations to
p53 tumor suppressor genes; these are genes which are
involved in DNA repair or the apoptosis of cells that
have lots of DNA damage. Therefore, if p53 genes are
mutated, they will no longer be able to aid in the DNA
repair process; as a result, there is „„dysregulation of
apoptosis, expansion of mutated keratinocytes, and
initiation of skin cancer. UVA radiation has an
important role in the carcinogenesis of stem cells of the
skin. UVB radiation induces DNA damage, which
causes inflammatory responses and tumor genesis.
Figure 10 shows the penetration depth of UVR [10].
Figure 10: The damaging effects of UVR on the skin [8]

Samir A. Hamouda et al; Saudi J Eng Technol, Nov, 2022; 7(10): 533-541
© 2022 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 538
In humans UVA penetrates deeper into the
skin than does UVB. Because UVA represents the
majority of the UV spectrum of tanning appliances and
of solar radiation reaching the Earth‟s surface, far more
UVA than UVB reaches the basal layers of the
epidermis, where skin keratinocytic stem cells and
melanocytes are located. Other studies showed that
radiation emitted by lamps used in tanning appliances
(mainly UVA) could significantly increase the
carcinogenic effect of broad-spectrum UV radiation,
indicating the possibility of a complex interplay
between UVA and UVB radiation in human skin. In
addition, both UVA and UVB radiation can affect the
immune response that may be involved in the
promotion of melanoma. However, the two types of
radiation seem to act differently. Results suggested that
UVA may influence local immune responses different
from those influenced by UVB [11].
Applications of ultraviolet radiation
In forensic investigations
Ultraviolet lights have been used in forensic
laboratories and at crime scenes for years to look for
blood and body fluid stains. Recently, more portable
versions of these lights have been used with varying
degrees of success in clinical practice with victims of
violence. The first report of UV lights being used to
identify semen was in 1919 by Dr. Wood. Some lights
allow many substances to fluoresce including hair gel,
lubricant and other innocuous substances, while other
lights only make semen and sometimes saliva fluoresce.
Long wavelength ultraviolet light is known as UVA
radiation and is at least 320 nm to over 400 nm. This
longer wavelength, particularly over 400 nm, is the
recommended minimum for forensic use [12].
When body fluid stains are on surfaces such as
skin or fabric they may not be visible to the naked eye.
The use of fluorescent techniques such as ultraviolet
lights and laser lights allows us to see stains not
otherwise seen. When the ultraviolet light is directed at
an area, the light is absorbed from the substance/fluid,
making the area fluoresce. These two lights are known
as excitation light and emission light. In medium to
long ultraviolet wavelengths (about 320 nm), the
excitation light is not visible to the naked eye, and only
the emission light is seen, making the stain visible.
When the excitation and emission light are both seen, it
is difficult to differentiate the stain from surrounding
tissue which also shows excitation light [12].
When both lights are visible it is known as the
visible fluorescence spectrum. The only way to view
the stain is by blocking out the excitation light within
that fluorescent region. Barrier filters in the form of
goggles or camera filters are used for this reason. The
colour of the barrier filter differs with the range of light
and the body fluid to be seen. As an example, if looking
for semen using a 450 nm ultraviolet light, orange
goggles are needed to filter out everything but the
emission light from the stain and make the stain visible
(see Figures 11-13) [12].
Figure 11: UV light makes the stain visible [12]
Figure 12: Application of UV light at night [12]

Samir A. Hamouda et al; Saudi J Eng Technol, Nov, 2022; 7(10): 533-541
© 2022 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 539
Figure 13: Other application of UV light [13].
Ultraviolet light (UV) light as Disinfection tool.
One of the earliest reports describing the
germicidal effects of UV was by Downes and Blount
(1877). They described the lethal effects of sunlight on
a mixed microbiological population and assigned the
cause of these effects to UV radiation. Early interest in
the application of UV for disinfection was originally
centred on potable water. Today, however, many
different liquids are disinfected by UV light, including
primary, secondary and tertiary filtered wastewater. UV
light has proved to be a very “clean” and effective
alternative to those disinfection methods which use
chemical agents such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide or
ozone. Unlike these methods, UV does not produce any
disinfection-by-products (DBPs) [14].
In wastewater disinfection: Today, medium
pressure UV lamps are used for a wide range of
disinfection applications including potable water,
wastewater and industrial process water. Medium-
pressure lamps contain mercury gas at much higher
pressure (approximately 1,000 torr). These lamps
produce UV of a higher intensity and over a broader
range of wavelengths (200–400 nm). UV light has
proved to be a very “clean” and effective alternative to
those disinfection methods which use chemical agents
such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide or ozone. Unlike
these methods, UV does not produce any disinfection-
by-products. Laboratory and full-scale studies
investigating the effects of UV lamp technology,
configuration, cleaning requirements, ageing and
longterm performance have demonstrated the
effectiveness of UV in inactivating pathogens in
wastewater and can be used for biological effects [14].
Ultraviolet light (UV) light in food industry:
Ultraviolet light (UV) light holds considerable
promise in food processing as an alternative to
traditional thermal processing. Its applications include
pasteurization of juices, post lethality treatment for
meats, treatment of food contact surfaces and to extend
the shelf-life of fresh produce [15].
Ultraviolet light (UV) light in geology
In geology: Fluorescence, as the term is
commonly used, refers to the emission of visible light
by substances during their irradiation by ultraviolet
(UV) light. Most minerals are not perceptibly
fluorescent but many are. Fluorescence in minerals is
observed commonly through excitation by two types of
UV source: shortwave UV light, usually produced by a
low-pressure mercury discharge lamp that produces a
spectrum containing the Hg line at a wavelength of 254
nanometers (nm); and long wave UV light.
Fluorescence can be useful to the geologist and
mineralogist in many ways: as a way of recognizing
minerals (sometimes of economic value), which would
otherwise go undetected; providing an indication of
zoning or alteration in minerals; as a means of
recognizing the presence of certain metals or other
elements (see Figure 14) [16].
Figure 14: (a) Using (long wavelength UV) produced image of Fluorite (blue-violet) with cerussite (yellow fluoresces). (b) Using (short wave
UV) produced image of Willemite fluoresces green, calcite fluoresces red. (c) Using (short wave UV) produced image of alkali feldspar
(pinkish-red fluoresces) and hydrocarbon material (bluish-white fluorescence) [16]

Samir A. Hamouda et al; Saudi J Eng Technol, Nov, 2022; 7(10): 533-541
© 2022 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 540
Ultraviolet light (UV) light in medicine
Because of its ability to cause chemical
reactions and excite fluorescence in materials,
ultraviolet light has a huge number of useful
applications in modern medicine, for diagnostic and
therapeutic purposes. In medical practice, UV lamps are
used for treating psoriasis and for treating jaundice in
new born babies. UV radiation can also be used as
phototherapy to suppress pathogenic cutaneous immune
responses. UV radiation induces chemical reactions
which are essential for the formation of pre-vitamin D3.
The application of UV light in medicine can be
summarized in Table 1 [17].
Table 1: UV applications in medicine
Wavelength
Application
230–400 nm
Optical sensors, various instrumentation
240–280 nm:
Disinfection, decontamination of surfaces and water (DNA absorption has a
peak at 260 nm)
200–400 nm:
Forensic analysis, drug detection
270–360 nm:
Protein analysis, DNA sequencing, drug discovery
280–400 nm:
Medical imaging of cell
300–320 nm:
Light therapy in medicine, effective long-term treatment for many skin conditions
like psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema
300–365 nm
Curing of polymers
In dental medicine Ultraviolet (UV) light finds
different application: Ultraviolet light to root canal
walls, as a means of complementary immediate
disinfection after the use of sodium hypochlorite.
Illumination of root canals with ultraviolet light may be
an effective supplementary means to achieve immediate
disinfection of infected root canals. In addition, upon
irradiation of dental bacteria with ultraviolet light has
shown significant reduction in the bacterial growth [17].
Ultraviolet light (UV) light in Research
Ultra-violet light can be used for determining
the optical constants such as refractive index,
absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient and the
real (εr) and imaginary (εi) components of the dielectric
constant for various solutions of different
concentrations at different environments [18, 19].
Table 2: Optical data for distilled water under a static magnetic field (75mT), using ultraviolet filter, with
maximum transparency wavelength (366 nm)
Exposure
Time(min)
Refractive
index
Absorption
coefficient
𝜶(10 -4 )
Extinction
coefficient k(10-9)
Dielectric constant
(ε’) real part
Dielectric constant
imaginary part
(ε’’) (10-9)
5
2.195734
161.21
0.469768
4.821249
2.062971
10
2.195734
161.21
0.469768
4.821249
2.062971
15
2.356048
184.24
0.536878
5.550964
2.529824
20
2.527416
207.27
0.603987
6.387831
3.053055
25
2.618034
218.79
0.637542
6.854102
3.338215
30
2.527416
207.27
0.603987
6.387831
3.053055
Occupational protection
Due to the central importance of sun avoidance
in preventing melanoma skin cancer, data regarding sun
avoidance, knowledge, and use of sun protection may
be beneficial in future prevention goals, practices, and
standards [20].
It can be stated that the golden rule implies
that exposure of both the eyes and skin to UVR should
be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, in order to
protect persons in the vicinity of artificial UVR, the
following precautions are recommended:
 Whenever possible, prevention of excessive
exposure of the eyes and skin should be
ensured by proper engineering design of UVR-
emitting installations and suitable enclosures,
so that any UVR is either adequately contained
or sufficiently attenuated.
 When, for justifiable reasons, such
containment is not possible, protection should
be afforded by providing close-fitting goggles
and/or face shields accompanied, if necessary,
by suitable UVR-opaque clothing and gloves
to cover the skin.
 Adequate and appropriate instruction should
be given, to any person liable to be excessively
exposed to UVR, concerning the hazards
involved and the precautions to be observed to
avoid excessive exposure.
 For artificial TJVR sources that do not emit
significant visible light, a visible or audible
warning signal may be required to show when
the TJVR is being emitted.

Samir A. Hamouda et al; Saudi J Eng Technol, Nov, 2022; 7(10): 533-541
© 2022 |Published by Scholars Middle East Publishers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 541
 Powerful short wavelength UVR sources may
generate ozone. This additional hazard should
be avoided by providing either adequate
ventilation or an adequate ozone removal
system in the workplace [4].
CONCLUSION
Despite the fact that there are some beneficial
effects of UVR, the negative effects can potentially be
life threatening. It can be stated that using broad-
spectrum sunscreens UVR protection with an SPF (Sun
Protection Factor) is currently the best preventative
measure to maintain homeostasis within the eye and the
skin. Dermatologists should encourage their patients to
limit time in the sun especially between 10am and 2pm.
If a patient must be out in the sun, dermatologists
should recommend wearing protective clothing, such as
hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and eye protection.
REFERENCES
1 Hamouda, S. A., Ibrahim, M. K., & Mohamed, M.
B. The Electromagnetic Spectrum: Knowledge and
Experimental Techniques. Engineering and
Scientific International Journal, 8(4).
2 electromagnetic waves - Google Search
3 03 Properties of Visible Light-merged.pdf
(westpark.k12.ca.us)
4 World Health Organization Geneva. (1979).
“Ultraviolet Radiation”. EHC14UV.pdf (unep.org)
5 Richard, G. (2010). “Ultraviolet radiation”,
Chronic diseases in Canada, CDIC_MCC_Supp29-
1_ar_04-eng (1).pdf
6 Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation (cancer.org)
7 tech-rep-CS-2004-01.pdf
8 Shiwei, L. Human skin characterization and
analysis based on hyperspectral reflectance using
machine learning. https://tel.archives-
ouvertes.fr/tel-03412032/document
9 D‟Orazio, J., Jarrett, S., Amaro-Ortiz, A., & Scott,
T. (2013). UV radiation and the skin. International
journal of molecular sciences, 14(6), 12222-12248.
ijms-14-12222.pdf
10 Narayanan, D. L., Saladi, R. N., & Fox, J. L.
(2010). Ultraviolet radiation and skin
cancer. International journal of
dermatology, 49(9), 978-986.
11 World Health Organization International Agency
for Research on Cancer. (2006). “Exposure to
Artificial UV Radiation and Skin Cancer”.
Working Group Reports, 1.
ArtificialUVRadSkinCancer.pdf (who.int)
12 Carter-Snell, C., & Soltys, K. (2005). Forensic
ultraviolet lights in clinical practice: evidence for
the evidence. The Canadian Journal of Police &
Security Services, 3(2), 79-85.
13 Forensics_Catalog.pdf (montreal-biotech.com)
14 Kalisvaart, B. F. (2004). Re-use of wastewater:
preventing the recovery of pathogens by using
medium-pressure UV lamp technology. Water
Science and Technology, 50(6), 337-344.
15 Tatiana, K. “UV Light for Processing Foods”.,
IUVA News, 10(4). Layout 1
(uvsolutionsmag.com)
16 Peter, J. M. (1987). “Ultraviolet fluorescent Ge of
minerals”. New Mexico geology, 9(2).
17 Panov, V., & Borisova-Papancheva, T. (2015).
Application of ultraviolet light (UV) in dental
medicine. Journal of Medical and Dental
Practice, 2(2), 194-200.
18 Samir, A. H., & Maqboula, K. I. (2022). A Simple
Optical Method for Determination of the Dielectric
Constant of Salt (%) Water using Ultraviolet Light,
Engineering and Scientific International Journal
(ESIJ), 9(2).
19 Hamouda, S. A., & Ibrahim, M. K. (2022).
Determination of the Dielectric Constant of
CuSO4. 5H2O (%) Solutions using Visible
Light. Saudi J Eng Technol, 7(9), 520-524.
20 Parker, G., Williams, B., & Driggers, P. (2015).
Sun exposure knowledge and practices survey of
maintenance squadrons at Travis AFB. Military
medicine, 180(1), 26-31.