At SunProtectionHats.com our goal is simple, we do our best to educate people on the dangers of Sun Exposure and UV Rays, and offer sun hats that adequately provide the protection needed.

What is UV Radiation?

Radiation is a form of energy. Most is invisible to the Human eye. UV radiation is one of the many forms of radiation and is measured on a Scientific scale called electromagnetic Spectrum. UV radiation is only one type of EM energy you may be aware of. Others include Radio waves, cell phones, microwaves, like what your microwave oven produces, and X-rays like those used in hospitals. These are all forms of EM energy. UV radiation is the portion of EM spectrum between X-rays and visible light.

More info on Ultraviolet Radiation

How is radiation classified on the electromagnetic spectrum?

Electromagnetic radiation is always around us, except we can only see some of it. All EM radiation (EM energy) is made up of minute packets of energy or particles called photons, which travel in a wave-like pattern and move at the speed of light. The EM spectrum is divided into categories defined by a range of numbers. These ranges describe the activity level, or how energetic the photons are, and the size of the wavelength in each category. For example, at the bottom of the spectrum radio waves have photons with low energies, so their wavelengths are long with peaks that are far apart. The photons of microwaves have higher energies, followed by infrared waves, UV rays, and X-ray. At the top of the spectrum, gamma rays have photons with very high energies and short wavelengths with peaks that are close together.

What are the different types of UV radiations?

The common forms of UV radiation is sunlight,which produces three main types of UV rays:
- UVA
- UVB
- UVC

UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB, and UVC rays which have the shortest wavelengths. While UVA and UVB rays are transmitted through the atmosphere, all the UVC and some UVB rays are absorbed by the earth's ozone layer. Almost all of the UV rays you come in contact with are UVA with a small amount of UVB. UV radiation as well as all forms of light on the spectrum level, are classified by wavelength. Wavelength describes the distance between the peaks in a series of waves.

- UVB rays have a short wavelength that reaches the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis)
- UVA rays Have a longer wavelength that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin (the dermis)

What effect does UV radiation have on my body?

Both UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to your skin. Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure. Certain oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products, and some cosmetics, can increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV Rays.

Sun light is not the only UV radiation you may encounter. Others include:

- Tanning booths
- mercury vapor lighting
- some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights
- some types of lasers

More information on the risks of Tanning
More information on the known health effects of UV
More information of Health effects to overexposure to the Sun

Are there health benefits of exposure to UV radiation?

According to the world health organization, short term exposure to UV radiation such as 5-15 minutes twice a week, is beneficial in helping the body produce vitamin D. However, the amount of exposure needed depends on several factors, including where you live, time of day, and the time of year. UV radiation, in the form of lasers, lamps,or a combination of these devices and topical medications that increase UV sensitivity, are sometimes used to treat patients with certain diseases who have not responded to other methods of treatments.

Does Where I live effect the amount of UV radiation I am exposed to?

May factors determine how much UV you are exposed to, including:

- Geography
- Altitude
- Time of Year
- TIme of day
- Weather conditions
- Reflection

Geography

UV rays are strongest in areas close to the equator. Because the sun is directly over the equator, UV rays only travel a short distance through the atmosphere to reach these areas. UV radiation is also the strongest near the equator because ozone in these areas is naturally thinner, so there is less to absorb the UV radiation. UV exposure is also greater in areas of snow, sand, pavement, and water due to the reflection that occurs.

Altitude

Altitude is another contributing factor to the amount of UV. Higher altitudes have greater UV exposure because there is less atmosphere to absorb UV rays.

Time of Year

The sun's angle in relation to the Earths varies according to the season. During the summer months the sun is in a more direct angle, resulting in a greater amount of UV radiation.

Time of Day

UV is most intense at noon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and UV rays have the least distance to travel through the atmosphere. Especially in the hot summer months, it is important to remain indoors during the peak sun hours of 10am and 4pm.

Weather Conditions

Many People be live that you cannot get sunburned on a cloudy day. This is simply not true. Even under cloud cover it is possible to damage your skin and eyes, and cause long-term damage. It is important that you protect yourself with sunscreen,even in cloudy weather.

Reflection

Some surfaces, such as snow, sand, grass, and water can reflect much of the UV radiation that reaches them. Sunglasses rated for 100% UV Protection , and a wide brim hat, and broad spectrum sunscreen can help protect your eyes and skin from reflected UV rays.

More information on Environmental Factors of UV exposure

What is UV index (UVI)?

The Ultraviolet index (UVI) is the rating scale, with numbers from 1 to 11, which indicated the amount of skin-damage UV rays reaching the Earth's surface. The daily UVI forecasts the amount of UV reaching your area at noon when the sun typically reaches its highest point in the sky. The higher the UVI number, the more intense the UV rays you will be exposed to. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers UVI forecasts by Zip code on their UV Index Page.

Many Illustrations of the UVI use a system of Colors to designate levels of UV exposure for a particular area on the map. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed an internationally recognized system of colors corresponding to levels of the UVI.

Category UVI Color Range

• Low 0 - 2 Green
• Moderate 3 - 5 Yellow
• High 6 - 7 Orange
• Very High 8 - 10 Red
• Extreme 11 + (plus) Purple