Abstract
Light radiation is a part of the electromagnetic radiation, and it consists of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. UV radiation energy is absorbed in the form of photons in biomolecules (chromophores) and induces various cellular reactions, out of which photochemical and photosensitizing are the most significant. In contact with the skin UV radiation incites protection mechanisms: the most important are stratum corneum thickening and melanin synthesis (melanogenesis). Basic role of melanin is absorption and scattering of UV rays and neutralization of free radicals. In this review physical characteristics of UV radiation, its biological effects, and relation to melanogenesis and carcinogenesis are discussed.
Highlights
Light radiation is a part of the electromagnetic radiation, and it consists of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation
According to the biological effects they induce, UV rays can be classified into UVA rays (400-320 nM wavelengths - black light region), UVB rays (320-280 nM - skin erythema region), and UVC rays (280-100 nM - germicidal region) [4,5]
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF UV RADIATION UV radiation energy is absorbed in the form of photons in biomolecules; these molecules are brought to an excited state, usually higher than the previous
Summary
Light radiation is a part of the electromagnetic radiation, and it consists of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. Wavelength enables penetration of UV light into the organism, and quantal features of UV rays induce biological changes within the living cell. According to the biological effects they induce, UV rays can be classified into UVA rays (400-320 nM wavelengths - black light region), UVB rays (320-280 nM - skin erythema region), and UVC rays (280-100 nM - germicidal region) [4,5].
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