Question

(g) some elements emit ultraviolet (uv) radiation when electricity is supplied. sun tanning beds emit uv radiation. give two health risks of exposure to uv radiation.

Answer 1

The two primary health risks of exposure to UV radiation are skin cancer, as UV is a Group 1 carcinogen that has been linked to various skin cancers, and cell damage, leading to premature aging and potentially pre-cancerous skin lesions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation presents several health risks, particularly skin-related disorders due to its ability to penetrate tissues and damage cells and DNA. Two significant health risks associated with UV radiation exposure include:

1. Skin Cancer: UV radiation is a Group 1 carcinogen, known to significantly raise the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. This risk is greater for individuals who have experienced blistering sunburns in their childhood or teen years.
2. Cell Damage: UV photons have the energy to ionize atoms and molecules, leading to cell damage. This can result in premature aging of the skin, known as photoaging, as well as actinic keratosis, which are rough skin patches that can develop into cancer if left untreated.