INTRODUCTION

In the present 21st century world one does not need to say about ultra violet rays, it is the
most talked about topic in this era. From the common man to academicians UV rays hold an
important place.
UV rays have been discussed for long around the world especially after the discovery of the
hole in the ozone layer in 1990s.The hole meant the approaching death of our mother earth. A
host of studies have been undertaken by many people and organizations such as the United
Nations, GREENPEACE etc.
Even when the world speaks much about this great calamity that has befallen our mother
earth, it would surely be a great injustice on the part of the younger generation especially the
student fraternity to be in utter ignorance of this slow killer as they are the future generations
who should live on this earth. Thus taking into considerations these points this project has
been taken up not only to know about UV rays but also how it affects the bio diversity of our
planet.
Here this project deals with the above mentioned points. Also the project aims to give a
comprehensive picture on the impending disaster that would take place if we be ignorant on
this issue.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Many people have taken great pains to make this project a reality. First of all I convey my
deep thanks to Mrs. Anita Jadon, Dept. of Biology without whose guidance this project
would have become nothing and she was instrumental in collecting the data required for this
project. Last but not the least I deeply acknowledge the help given to me by my classmates
whose valuable tips and suggestions helped me bring about such a project. I am deeply
indebted to them for also helping me collect the relevant information from many sources and
also providing many diagrams required to emphasise my points.

CONTENTS
1 ULTRAVIOLET RAYS
1.1 Sources of UV
1.2 UV-A, UV-B & UV-C
2 EFFECTS OF UV RADIATION ON NATURE AND HUMANS
2.1 Damage to marine life
2.2 Degradation of polymers, pigments and dyes
2.3 HARMFUL EFFECTS ON HUMANS

2.3.1 Effects on Eye

2.3.2 Effects on Skin
2.3.3 Genetic effects
2.3.4 Effects on immune system
2.4 OZONE DEPLETION AND UV RADIATIONS
2.5 VULNERABILITIES DUE TO UV RADIATIONS
1. ULTRAVIOLET RAYS
In 1801, the German physicist Johann Wilhelm Ritter, found that there exist invisible rays
beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum of the Sun that darken silver chloride even more
efficiently than visible light. This spectra region between visible light and X-rays was found
to be more chemically active than visible light, and named as the ultraviolet region.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of
visible light, but longer than x-rays, in the range 10 nm to 400 nm, and energies from 3 eV to
124 eV
.
The name means beyond violet (from Latin ultra, beyond), violet being the colour of the
shortest wavelengths of visible light. UV light has a shorter wavelength than that of violet
light
The electromagnetic spectrum of ultraviolet light can be subdivided in a number of ways. The
draft ISO standard on determining solar radiances (ISO-DIS-21348)[3] describes the following
ranges:
Name
Ultraviolet A, long wave, or
black light
Near
Ultraviolet B or medium wave
Middle
Ultraviolet C, short wave, or
germicidal
Far
Vacuum
Extreme

Abbreviation

Wavelength range in
nanometres

Energy per
photon

UVA

400 nm320 nm

3.103.94 eV

NUV
UVB
MUV

400 nm300 nm
320 nm280 nm
300 nm200 nm

3.104.13 eV
3.944.43 eV
4.136.20 eV

UVC

280 nm100 nm

4.4312.4 eV

FUV
VUV
EUV

200 nm122 nm
200 nm10 nm
121 nm10 nm

6.2010.2 eV
6.20124 eV
10.2124 eV

Natural sources of UV
The Sun emits ultraviolet radiation in the UVA, UVB, and UVC bands. The Earths ozone
layer blocks 98.7% of this UV radiation from penetrating through the atmosphere. 98.7% of
the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earths surface is UVA.
Other sources: There are also several artificial methods to produce UV rays such as from
black light (Woods light), Ultraviolet fluorescent lamps, Ultraviolet LEDs, Ultraviolet lasers,
synchrotron radiation sources, Argon and deuterium discharge lamps etc
UVA, UVB & UVC
Among the different types of UV, we consider the main subdivisions as UV A, UV B & UV
C.
UVA (320-400 nm):
Ultraviolet light, type A. These are rays of light from the sun which are not visible but can
cause damage to the skin.
UVB (280-320 nm)
Ultraviolet light, type B. These are rays of light from the sun which are not visible but can
cause damage to the skin.
The amount of UV-B light received by a location is strongly dependent on:

Latitude and elevation of the location: At high-latitude polar regions the sun is
always low in the sky. Because the sunlight passes through more atmosphere more of
the UV-B is absorbed. For this reason average UV-B exposure at the poles is over a
thousand times lower than at the equator.
Cloud cover : the reduction in UV-B exposure depends the covers thickness.
Proximity to an industrial area: Due to the protection offered by photochemical
smog. Industrial processes produce ozone, one of the more irritating components of
smog, which absorbs UV-B. This is thought to be one of the main reasons that
significant ozone losses in the southern hemisphere have not been mirrored in the
northern hemisphere.

UVC (100-280 nm): UVC rays are the highest energy, most dangerous type of ultraviolet
light. Exposure to it can even lead to death. Little attention has been given to UVC rays in the
past since they are filtered out by the atmosphere. However, their use in equipment such as
pond sterilization units may pose an exposure risk, if the lamp is switched on outside of its
enclosed pond sterilization unit.
EFFECTS OF UV RADIATION ON NATURE AS WELL AS HUMANS
The effects of UV radiation on earths ecosystems are not completely understood. Even
isolating the effects of UVA versus UVB is somewhat arbitrary. Studies have shown that
increased UV radiation can cause significant damage, particularly to small animals and

plants. Phytoplankton, fish eggs, and young plants with developing leaves are particularly
susceptible to damage from over exposure to UV.
Solar UV radiation levels are highest during the middle of the day. In total, almost half the
daytime total UV radiation is received during the few hours around noontime. The sunlight
reaching us consists of only approximately 0.5% UV-B radiation, in terms of radiant energy.
Clouds, as well as ozone, have a tremendous affect on UV radiation levels. However, cloudy
skies generally do not offer significant protection from UV. Thin or scattered clouds can have
minor impacts on UV and even, for a short time, increase UV above what it would be on a
blue sky day by further scattering the radiation and increasing the levels that reach the
surface.
Damage to marine life: The penetration of increased amounts of UV-B light has caused
great concern over the health of marine plankton that densely populate the top 2 meters of
ocean water. The natural protective-response of most chlorophyll containing cells to
increased light-radiation is to produce more light-absorbing pigments but this protective
response is not triggered by UV-B light. Another possible response of plankton is to sink
deeper into the water but this reduces the amount of visible light they need for
photosynthesis, and thereby reduces their growth and reproduction rate. In other words, the
amount of food and oxygen produced by plankton could be reduced by UV exposure without
killing individual organisms.
Degradation of polymers, pigments and dyes: Many polymers used in consumer products
are degraded by UV light. The problem appears as discoloration or fading, cracking and
sometimes, total product disintegration if cracking has proceeded sufficiently. The rate of
attack increases with exposure time and sunlight intensity. It is known as UV degradation,
and is one form of polymer degradation. Sensitive polymers include thermoplastics, such as
polypropylene and polyethylene as well as speciality fibres like aramids.
UV damaged polypropylene rope (left) and new rope (right)
There are several other considerations:

Ultraviolet levels are over 1,000 times higher at the equator than at the polar regions
so it is presumed that marine life at the equator is much better adapted to the higher
enviromental UV light than organisms in the polar regions. The current concern of
marine biologists is mostly over the more sensitive antarctic phytoplankton which
normally would recieve very low doses of UV. Only one large-scale field survey of
Anarctic phytoplankton has been carried out so far [Smith et.al _Science_1992] ; they
found a 6-12% drop in phytoplankton productivity once their ship entered the area of
the spring-time ozone hole. Since the hole only lasts from 10-12weeks this translates
into a 2-4%loss overall, a measurable but not yet catastrophic loss.
Both plants and phytoplankton vary widely in their sensitivity to UV-B. When over
200 agricultural plants were tested, more than half showed sensitivity to UV-B light.
Other plants showed neglible effects or even a small increase in vigor. Even within a
species there were marked differences; for example one variety of soybean showed a
16% decrease in growth while another variety of the same soybean showed no effect
[R.Parson]. An increase in UV-B could cause a shift in population rather than a large
die-off of plants

An increase in UV-B will cause increased amounts of Ozone to be produced at lower

levels in the atmosphere. While some have hailed the protection offered by this
pollution-sheild many plants have shown themselves to be very sensitive to
photochemical smog.

HARMFUL EFFECTS ON HUMANS

Being the one which commonly affects our health, we usually discuss the harmful effects of
UV-B. The consequences of increased exposure of the human body to UV-B radiation will in
the first instance be characterized by the physical properties of this type of radiation. UV-B
radiation does not penetrate far into the body; most of it is absorbed in the superficial tissue
layers of 0.1 mm depth. This limits the primary effects to the skin and the eyes. There are,
however, also systemic effects; these start with a primary reaction in the superficial layers,
but have consequences throughout the body. It is the main cause of sunburn and tanning and
it has influences on the immune system. UV-B radiation is also the main cause of
snowblindness and an important factor in the induction of cataracts. UV-B radiation
contributes significantly to the aging of the skin and eyes, and it is the UV-B range that is the
most effective in causing skin cancer.
Genetic damage:
Ultraviolet photons harm the DNA molecules of living organisms in different ways. DNA
absorbs UV-B light and the absorbed energy can break bonds in the DNA. Most of the DNA
breakages are repaired by proteins present in the cells nucleus. These may mend the damage,
or part of the damage. The repair systems may, however, themselves be damaged by
increased UV-B exposure. But unrepaired genetic damage of the DNA can lead to skin
cancers. In one common damage event, adjacent thymine bases bond with each other, instead
of across the ladder. This makes a bulge, and the distorted DNA molecule does not
function properly.
UVB light can cause direct DNA damage. The radiation excites DNA molecules in skin cells,
causing aberrant covalent bonds to form between adjacent cytosine bases, producing a dimer.
When DNA polymerase comes along to replicate this strand of DNA, it reads the dimer as
AA and not the original CC. This causes the DNA replication mechanism to add a TT
on the growing strand. This is a mutation, which can result in cancerous growths and is
known as a classical C-T mutation. The mutations that are caused by the direct DNA
damage carry a UV signature mutation that is commonly seen in skin cancers.

Effects on Skin:
Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation present in sunlight is an environmental human carcinogen. The
toxic effects of UV from natural sunlight and therapeutic artificial lamps are a major concern
for human health. The major acute effects of UV irradiation on normal human skin comprise
sunburn inflammation erythema, tanning, and local or systemic immunosuppression.
Matsumura and Ananthaswamy , (2004)
1. i. Sunburn: One of the most common effects of UV exposure is erythema, also
known as sunburn. Sunburn occurs when skin cells are damaged by the absorption of

2.

3.

4.

5.

energy from UV rays. To compensate for this injury, the skin sends extra blood to the
damaged skin in an attempt to repair itthus accounting for the redness that is
associated with sunburn. The amount of time it takes for a sunburn to occur is
dependent mostly on the relative amounts of UV rays that are hitting the skin, and on
a persons skin type. People with naturally dark skin already have inherently high
levels of melanin, and so are able to spend a longer amount of time in the sun before
burning, if they burn at all. Fair-skinned people dont have it quite so easyburning
can occur within a relatively short amount of time.
ii. Sun tan: As a defence against UV radiation, the amount of the brown pigment
melanin in the skin increases when exposed to moderate (depending on skin type)
levels of radiation; this is commonly known as a sun tan. The purpose of melanin is to
absorb UV radiation and dissipate the energy as harmless heat, blocking the UV from
damaging skin tissue. UVA gives a quick tan that lasts for days by oxidizing melanin
that was already present and triggers the release of the melanin from melanocytes.
UVB yields a tan that takes roughly 2 days to develop because it stimulates the body
to produce more melanin. The photochemical properties of melanin make it an
excellent photo protectant.
iii. Photodermatoses: Photodermatoses are skin diseases where the skin lesions are
caused by light. Such lesions may be itching papules, whealing of the skin, fierce
reddening and peeling, etc. The more sensitive patients cannot even stand one minute
of outdoor daylight. In several of these diseases the UV-B radiation in sunlight is the
predominant causative agent. Loss of adaptation of the skin to light appears to be a
predominant factor in these diseases.
iv. Premature Ageing of Skin: Another effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin is photo
ageing. Recent studies have shown that many of the symptoms commonly associated
with mere aging (i.e. wrinkles, loosening of the skin) may instead be related to UV
exposure. Even careful tanning kills skin cells, damages DNA and causes permanent
changes in skin connective tissue which leads to wrinkle formation in later life. UVA,
UVB and UVC can all damage collagen fibres and thereby accelerate aging of the
skin. Both UVA and UVB destroy vitamin A in skin which may cause further
damage.
v. Skin Cancer:90% of the skin carcinomas are attributed to UV-B exposure
[Wayne] and the chemical mechanism by which it causes skin cancer has been
identified [Tevini]. The above named carcinomas are relatively easy to treat, if
detected in time, and are rarely fatal.

There are various types of skin cancer. One main class is formed by the cutaneous
melanomas, the cancers of the pigment cells. There appears to be a correlation between brief,
high intensity exposures to UV and eventual appearance (as long as 10-20yrs) of melanoma.
The other main types are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, cancers of the
epithelial cells. These carcinomas of the skin are sometimes, collectively, called nonmelanoma skin cancers. The non-melanoma skin cancers are clearly correlated to sunlight.
They occur mostly in light-skinned people, and then predominantly on skin areas most
exposed to sunlight, such as the face. In people of comparable genetic background, the
incidences are higher in the sunnier geographical areas.

Effects on Eye:
High intensities of UVB light are hazardous to the eyes, and exposure can cause welders
flash (photokeratitis or arc eye) and may lead to cataracts, pterygium, and pinguecula
formation. Another Possible eye damage that can result from high doses of UV light is
particularly to the cornea which is a good absorber of UV light. High doses of UV light can
causes a temporary clouding of the cornea, called snow-blindness, and chronic doses has
been tentatively linked to the formation of cataracts. Higher incidences of cataracts are found
at high elevations, Tibet and Bolivia; and higher incidences are seen at lower latitudes
(approaching the equator).UV light is absorbed by molecules known as chromophores, which
are present in the eye cells and tissues. Chromophores absorb light energy from the various
wavelengths at different rates a pattern known as absorption spectrum. If too much UV
light is absorbed, eye structures such as the cornea, the lens and the retina can be damaged.
Effects on immune system:
Prolonged exposure can cause damage to the human immune system. Cells or tissue
components which are altered by the radiation may be recognized as foreign by the immune
system and removed. Certain functions of the immune system are, however, suppressed by
exposure to UV-B radiation.
Worldwide some 12 to 15 million people become blind from cataracts annually, of which up
to 20% may be caused or enhanced by sun exposure according to WHO estimates.
Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that environmental levels of UV radiation
may suppress cell-mediated immunity and thereby enhance the risk of infectious diseases and
limit the efficacy of vaccinations. Both of these act against the health of poor and vulnerable
groups, especially children of the developing world. Many developing countries are located
close to the equator and hence, people are exposed to the very high levels of UV radiation
that occur in these regions.
OZONE DEPLETION AND UV RADIATIONS
Ozone depletion results in an increase of UV-B radiation, but the shorter the wavelength, the
stronger the increase, even within the UV-B range. A 1%decrease in the ozone layer will
cause a estimated 2%increase in UV-B irradiation; it is estimated that this will lead to a
4%increase in basal carcinomas and 6%increase in squamous-cell carcinomas.[Graedel &
Crutzen]. Many scientists today believe that this life-protecting stratospheric ozone layer is
being reduced by the chlorofluorocarbon gases released into the atmosphere by different
sources on the earth. Many environment groups are vehemently protesting against the use of
these gases, and their use in many places in the world has been banned. Pollution on the earth
has already caused a hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic.
VULNIRABILITIES DUE TO UV RADIATIONS
A diagram produced by WHO based on global burden of diseases from solar ultraviolet
radiation in the year 2006:

Global burden of disease assessment

WHO has now published the report entitled "Global burden of disease from solar ultraviolet
radiation" that provides detailed estimates of UV-associated disease burden worldwide. Using
established methodology and best available estimates on UV-related mortality and morbidity,
this report estimates that annually around 1.5 mill DALYs (Disability-adjusted life years) are
lost through excessive UV exposure. The report gives region, age and sex-specific estimates
and includes detailed methodological considerations. A counterfactual zero population
exposure to UV would generate a substantial burden of disease through diseases of vitamin D
deficiency. This, however, is only a theoretical possibility since the large majority of people
is casually exposed to UV radiation such that extremely low Vitamin D levels are rarely
found.

Fig. 1: Relationship of exposure to UVR and Burden of Disease

An article pointing out the increasing Solar UV & Ozone Depletion:

Stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation and health

It has been recognized for several decades that the release of chlorofluorocarbons and other
atmospheric pollutants depletes stratospheric ozone, which in turn increases human exposure
to ultraviolet radiation, causing skin cancer and cataracts.
The recognition of direct effects on human health effects was a major stimulus to the
Montreal Protocol, which acts to reduce emissions of pollutants that weaken the ozone layer.
Although this international agreement is proving highly effective in reducing risks in the long
term, UV radiation remains a health hazard.

The World Health Organization, and partner organizations - through the Intersun project have developed and promote the UV Index, a tool to inform and educate the public about sun
protection.

CONCLUSION
Thus we can conclude that UV rays have a disastrous impact on our planet. It will lead to
many dangers which would affect not only us but also the entire living community on this
earth. UV rays could lead to many unforeseen disasters which could also signal the end of life
on this beautiful planet.
All the dangers attributed to UV rays reaching our earth reside only on man. Man by his
reckless actions have dug graves not only for himself but also for the earth too. Its his only
responsibility to restore the earth back to its healthy mode.
Thus a concerted effort is needed on the side of mankind to quickly address this danger. Steps
have to be taken from individual to the international level to protect our earth. From
abandoning plastics to decreasing the dependence on automobiles man has to be careful to
ensure that he does not push earth to its death. We also need to ensure that we do not create
UV rays by machines and that their usage is strongly restricted only to the academic
field. Also we need to create awareness among ourselves on the need of the hour to protect
life. Its a pity that we try to blame domestic animals for increasing the levels of methane in
the atmosphere. What we need to understand is that their methane levels are nothing
compared to our creation of a hole on the ozone layer. Their actions are too small to be even
compared to our sins.
As future generations the student community also needs to be aware in this topic, a primary
reason for me selecting this project. We too should take care not to harm our earth in any
way. Always we should remember that we have not inherited the earth from our fathers
but have leased it from our future generations. This alone will make us responsible and be
steadfast in our Endeavour to combat the penetration of UV rays.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

R.Parson, FAQ 111 ,UV and biological effects of UV

M.Tevini, UV-B Radiation and Ozone Depletion: Effects on humans, animals, plants,
microorganisms and materials Lewis Pub. Boca Raton, 1993.
R.P.Wayne, Chemistry of the Atmospheres 2nd ed. Oxford 1991
R.Smith , Ozone depletion: Ultraviolet radiation and phytoplankton biolgy in
antarctic waters Science , 255, 952. (1992)
SunSmart publications, UV Rays
WHO website (http://www.who.int)
Jan C. van der Leun and Frank R. de Gruijl, Influences of Ozone Depletion on
Human and Animal Health