UVB rays from the sun
may contribute to allergies and asthma
As if the sun’s UV rays were not mischievous enough in
leading to early aging of the skin and several forms of cancer, recent studies show
that UV rays may play a role in producing allergies and asthma in some people.
Greater risks of
allergies by living closer to the equator
The study actually showed that the closer people live to the
earth’s equator, the more at risk they may be to have allergies and asthma. The
increased risk seems to be related to exposure to UVB rays in sunlight. UVB
rays are shortwave and UVA are longwave forms of solar emissions. Both forms of
ultraviolet waves appear to have adverse affects on the unprotected human body.
The risks of exposure
to UV light of all types
Ultraviolet radiation is one aspect of electromagnetic light
that pours over the earth from the sun. UV radiation is not visible to the
human eye because its wavelengths are shorter than visible light, making it
invisible to humans, though birds and other creatures may actually be able to
detect certain forms of UV light.
There are several types of UV light. These include long wave
(UVA) short wave (UVB), and UVC which is largely absorbed by the earth’s ozone
layer and does not reach the surface.
Connecting the dots
on harm from UV rays
UVA and UVB both penetrate the atmosphere and can damage
human skin, eyes (cataracts especially) and produce skin cancers. That is why
physicians and dermatologists consistently warn us to protect ourselves using
sunscreens and clothing to shield our bodies from UV rays.
The realization that UVB rays may also produce allergies and
asthma may not be so surprising given the impact of UV rays on other parts of
our bodies. It also makes sense that you are at greater risk the closer you
live to the earth’s equator where sunlight lasts longest and is most intense.
Compromising the
body’s immune systems leads to allergies, asthma
The increase in UVB toward the equator may modify the body’s
ability to process Vitamin D, which helps regulate the immune system. Increased
exposure to UVB rays therefore produces greater risk for allergies and asthma
due to weakening of the immune system.
Other factors affecting allergies and asthma include cultural influences
such as housing, climate and social variables also related to the earth’s
latitudes.
So while there is not an identification of increased risk
for allergies among people living closer to the equator, it is also seldom the
only factor that may be producing a compromised immune system leading to
conditions such as allergies and asthma. The two conditions are often closely
related, with between 75 and 85 percent of people with asthma also experiencing
an allergy of some sort.
Skip the tanning
booth as well for better health
One might also consider the fact that UVA rays that cause
tanning effects whether outdoors or at a salon may be having effects not only
on the body’s skin, but also the immune system as well. Using a tanning salon
is akin to moving closer to the equator, at least in terms of exposure to
harmful UVA rays.
Sources: Skincancer.org:
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb
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