Solar radiation refers to the energy that comes from the sun and it has several benefits. For instance, it helps plants to grow, provides light for humans to see and also warms the earth.

However, solar radiation can also have negative effects on human health. In this article, we shall explore the effects of solar radiation on human health and ways to protect yourself from the harmful effects of sun exposure.

Skin Cancer

One of the most harmful effects of solar radiation on human health is skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Skin cancer if not detected early, can spread to other parts of the body and cause more damage.

The harmful UVB rays from the sun cause skin cancer. It is therefore important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses.

Sunburn

Sunburn is another common effect of solar radiation on human health. Sunburn is caused by the harmful UVB rays from the sun. Sunburn can be painful and lead to skin damage.

It is important to avoid prolonged sun exposure, particularly during the peak hours when the sun is hottest, and to wear sunscreen with a high SPF to help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Eye Damage

Solar radiation can also cause eye damage. Harmful UV rays from the sun can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. These problems can cause permanent eye damage and can lead to blindness if left untreated.

It is important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear that is designed to block UV radiation from the sun.

Heat Stroke

Another effect of solar radiation on human health is heat stroke. Heat stroke can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun particularly during hot weather. Symptoms of heat stroke include nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion and dizziness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get out of the sun and cool down quickly to prevent further damage to your body.

Immune Suppression

Solar radiation can also suppress the immune system. Harmful UV radiation can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases.

It is therefore important to protect yourself from the sun and avoid prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

Vitamin D

On the other hand, solar radiation also has some positive effects on human health. For instance, it helps the body to produce vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and helps prevent diseases such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. However, it is important to balance between benefits of Vitamin D and safety by ensuring that you protect your skin from excessive sun exposure.

Conclusion

Solar radiation has both positive and negative effects on human health. While it helps the body to produce vitamin D, it can also cause serious health problems such as skin cancer, sunburn, eye damage, heat stroke and immune suppression.

It is therefore important to protect yourself from the harmful effects of solar radiation by wearing protective clothing, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and wearing sunscreen with a high SPF. You should also seek medical help if you experience any symptoms of heat stroke or other sun-related health problems.