Acknowledgement:

I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude and deep regards to my guide Mrs.
Madurima Sengupta for her exemplary guidance, monitoring and constant encouragement
throughout the course of this project. The blessing, help and guidance given by him time to time
shall carry me a long way in the journey of life on which i am about to embark.

I also take this opportunity to express a deep sense of gratitude to my school authority for their
cordial support, valuable information and guidance, which helped me in completing this task
through various stages.

Lastly, a special thanks to my parents for their constant encouragement without which this
assignment would not be possible.

Bhumika Majumder
Introduction:
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is ubiquitous in the environment, which has been classified as an
established human carcinogen. As the largest and outermost organ of the body, direct exposure
of skin to sunlight or UV radiation can result in sunburn, inflammation, photo-
immunosuppression, photo aging and even skin cancers. To date, there are tactics to protect the
skin by preventing UV radiation and reducing the amount of UV radiation to the skin.
Nevertheless, deciphering the essential regulatory mechanisms may pave the way for therapeutic
interventions against UV-induced skin disorders. Additionally, UV light is considered beneficial
for specific skin related conditions in medical UV therapy. Recent evidence indicates that the
biological effects of UV exposure extend beyond the skin and include the treatment of
inflammatory diseases, solid tumors and certain abnormal behaviors. This review mainly focuses
on the effects of UV on the skin. Moreover, novel findings of the biological effects of UV in
other organs and systems are also summarized. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which UV
affects the human organism remain to be fully elucidated to achieve a more comprehensive
understanding of its biological effects.
What is ultraviolet or UV rays?
Solar radiation is the Earth’s predominant energy source, containing a substantial quantity of
ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV radiation exists mainly in the form of electromagnetic energy, which is
invisible and imperceptible to human senses, and has both good and bad effects on human health.
Some people are occasionally exposed to artificial sources of UV radiation (e.g., medical,
industrial, disinfectant and cosmetic uses), but everyone is inevitably exposed to solar UV
radiation. UV radiation is classified as a well-established human carcinogen due to its mutagenic
and non-specific damaging properties. UV light was first discovered by German physicists in
1801. UV radiation spans the wavelength range of 100–400 nm, characterized by higher
frequency and shorter wavelengths than visible light.

UVA rays possess the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB and UVC. UVC rays, with the
shortest wavelengths, do not reach the Earth’s surface as they are entirely absorbed by the
atmosphere. The Earth’s atmosphere provides protection from the majority of UVB rays, but it
offers limited shielding against these rays.

As a result, the UV rays that most people encounter consist primarily of UVA, with a minor
presence of UVB. The quantity of solar UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface varies
according to several factors, including the sun’s angle in the sky, geographical latitude, cloud
cover, altitude, ozone layer thickness and ground reflection. Small amounts of UV radiation are
beneficial to health and play an essential role in the production of vitamin D. Nevertheless,
global emissions of certain chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds have been on the rise, leading
to a depletion of the ozone layer in recent years. The intensity of UV radiation at the Earth’s
surface is on the rise, carrying adverse consequences for ecosystems and human health,
particularly an increase in UV-related conditions such as skin cancers, cataracts, and immune
system damage.
Effects of the UV Rays on Human Body:
 The human skin constitutes the body’s outermost layer and acts as the primary defense
against environmental factors, such as microbes, particulates, irritants, allergens and UV
radiation. As a result, the skin is often directly exposed to the UV. Healthy human skin is
divided into the epidermis (thickness: 50–100 μm) and the dermis (thickness: 300–3000
μm).
 UVA radiation can penetrate the skin, reaching the dermis, whereas UVB radiation
penetrates the skin’s surface layer to reach the basal layer of the epidermis . UV radiation
is considered as two sides of the same coin. On one side, in small amounts, solar UV light
is crucial for good health as it facilitates photosynthesis and the production of vitamin D.
 However, it also has detrimental effects on human health, including the promotion
of various skin diseases, with skin cancer being the most devastating.

 UV light induces a variety of effects on skin physiology, with some being acute
damage, while others manifest more gradually. The best known acute effect of
excessive UV exposure is erythema, commonly referred to as sunburn.
 Furthermore, most people will tan from the UV stimulation of melanin production,
which occurs within a few days following exposure (Solano, 2020). Another less
apparent adaptive effect involves the thickening of the outermost skin layers, which

reduces UV penetration into the deeper skin layers.

 Both of these changes indicate skin damage. Skin damage susceptibility is influenced by
skin type. Individuals with fairer skin are more prone to conditions like sunburn or
erythema compared to those with darker skin.

 Chronic exposure to UV radiation leads to degenerative changes in the cells, fibrous

tissues and blood vessels of the skin.


These changes encompass the development of freckles, nevi, lentigines, pigmented areas
on the skin, and diffuse brown.
 Blister Skin Rashes due to UV rays

 Chronic exposure to UV radiation leads to degenerative changes in the cells, fibrous

tissues and blood vessels of the skin.

 These changes encompass the development of freckles, nevi, lentigines, pigmented areas
on the skin, and diffuse brown pigmentation.

 At certain doses of UV radiation, some people may experience photosensitivity reactions,

exhibiting symptoms like itching, rashes, blisters, and pain.

 The eye area is at an increased risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Exposure to UV light can also lead to dryness, pain, and inflammation of the eye’s
surface. Furthermore, chronic skin exposure to UV radiation is a significant factor in
immune system dysregulation and photoaging.
 Additionally, there is a close link between the development of skin cancers and UV
exposure, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. . The
higher dose of UV radiation is linked to the increased risk of developing skin cancers.

 Basal cell carcinoma: It is a type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma begins
in the basal cells — a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells as old ones
die off. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin,
though it can take other forms.
 Malignant melanoma: This cancer usually appears as a pigmented patch or
bump that may resemble a normal mole, but usually has a more irregular
appearance. It's more common in people with a pale complexion, blue eyes, and red or
fair hair.

 Squamous cell carcinoma: This cancer can appear as a firm, red nodule
or a flat, scaly lesion that may itch, bleed, and become crusty. It usually occurs on areas
of skin exposed to the sun like the scalp or ear.
UV light as a treatment:
UV light is a double-edged sword for health. Although UV light can damage the body’s health, it
can also be involved in the synthesis of some beneficial substances and can be used as a means
of treating some diseases. UV involved in the synthesis of vitamin D in the human body, which
is not deficient in the right amount of sunlight exposure. UVB radiation induces the synthesis of
pro vitamin D3 in the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol or vitamin D3 precursors undergo
photochemical reactions in the epidermal layer of spiny cells and basal cell layer to form vitamin
D3, which then goes to the liver and kidneys for a series of transformations to eventually form
vitamin D.

Specifically, UV therapy, often referred to as phototherapy, is a common treatment for various

skin conditions. The integration of phototherapy into cancer treatment offers a viable option
without concerns of drug resistance due to its distinct mode of action. Current oncological
phototherapy encompasses PDT, developmental photo activated chemotherapy (PACT), and
photothermal therapy (PTT). Of course, the phototherapy referred to here typically involves
narrow-spectrum UV light with a wavelength of 311–313 nm. Narrowband UVB can effectively
avoid adverse reactions.

Phototherapy is extensively employed in the treatment of bone cancer, which is clinically

accepted, minimally invasive and highly targeted. When subjected to irradiation at specific
wavelengths, the photosensitizer in PDT can elevate intracellular ROS levels, while the
photothermal agent in PTT can induce photothermal conversion, effectively eliminating tumor
cells. UV-inactivated herpes simplex virus 1 (UV-HSV-1) is 1000 to 10,000 times more potent
than other inactivated viruses. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) effectively activates
human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to lyse leukemia cell lines and prostate
cancer (PrCA) cell lines.

Early UV treatment for patients with mycosis fungoides infections aids in controlling disease
progression, resulting in a higher ten-year survival rate in the group receiving high UV treatment
compared to the low UV group .
Prevention from UV Ray’s damage:

Avoid the sun: Limit time in the sun, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV
rays are strongest. Seek shade, and be aware that sunlight can reflect off surfaces.

Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed

hat.

Wear sunglasses: Wear wraparound sunglasses that protect against 99–100% of UV-A and
UV-B rays.

Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all

exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen often, especially if you're sweating or swimming.

Get vitamin D safely: Get vitamin D through diet and supplements instead of UV
exposure.

Vitamin C and other antioxidants: These substances slow skin damage due
to rogue chemicals, called free radicals, which cause visible signs of damage. Antioxidants can
slow skin aging, lessen UV radiation damage and decrease the breakdown of collagen.
Helps in the protection of harsh UV Rays:
Conclusion:

In this review, we provided a more comprehensive

understanding of how UV light affects cells and mammals,
elucidating the associated biological effects and mechanisms.
UV influences not only the organism’s surface but the entire
organism. In addition to inducing damage, UV radiation also has
shown therapeutic effects, which can further enrich the medical
application of UV.
References:

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 Declaration

I hereby declare that the project work entitled “Effects of

the Ultraviolet Radiation on the Human Body”,
submitted to Department of Biology, Bhavan’s Tripura
Vidyamandir, Narsingarh, is prepared by me.

Bhumika Majumder

Class 12th Science

 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that, Bhumika Majumder, a student of class XII has

successfully completed her Biology Project on “Effects of the Ultraviolet
Radiation on the Human Body ”, under the Guidance of Mrs.
Madhurima Sengupta.

Bhumika Majumder
 Signature of the Student,

 Signature of the Internal Examiner,

 Signature of the Principal of the Institution,

 Signature of the External Examiner,

 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that, Bhumika Majumder, a student of class XII has

successfully completed her Biology Project on “Effects of the Ultraviolet
Radiation on the Human Body ”, under the Guidance of Mrs.
Madhurima Sengupta.

 Signature of the Student,

 Signature of the Internal Examiner,

 Signature of the Principal of the Institution,

 Signature of the External Examiner,

 Index
S. No. Title Page No.

1 Acknowledgement 3

2 Topic Page 4

3 Introduction 5

4 What is UV Rays 6

5 Effects of UV rays on 7-16

Human Body &
Prevention from UV
Rays

6 Conclusion 17

7 Reference 18

8 Declaration 19