Types of ultraviolet radiation

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Types of ultraviolet radiation

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Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is made up of three types.

  • Ultraviolet A (UVA) – passes through the atmosphere freely, and also penetrates deeply into the skin causing damage to the cells

    and aging to the skin

  • Ultraviolet B (UVB) – partially blocked (85%) by the ozone layer, does not penetrate as deeply into the skin but is responsible for causing sunburn

  • Ultraviolet C (UVC) – highly dangerous but stopped by the ozone layer

UVA goes further than UVB or UVC

Ultraviolet radiation does not all reach the surface

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