| Copyright (c) 2007 Barry Lycka | | | | of this before it reaches the planet's surface. UVC is |
| With the long, cold winter behind us, many people | | | | almost entirely eliminated by the atmosphere, but |
| start shedding their clothes. But what people don't | | | | enough UVA and UVB penetrates it in large enough |
| realize is that this is the wrong thing to do. Why? | | | | quantities that sunburn can occur in less than 15 |
| The sun poses many threats - above and beyond | | | | minutes. Nevertheless, the inflicted harm is often not |
| being burned. | | | | immediately obvious." A first-degree sunburn can be |
| 1. Sunburn | | | | painful and typically turns the skin pink or red. Severe |
| It's important to understand how sun exposure can | | | | sunburns, or second-degree burns, cause blistering |
| burn your skin. Wikipedia explains: "UV radiation is | | | | and swelling of the skin, and will begin to peel three |
| divided into the UVA, UVB and UVC sub-bands. | | | | to eight days after exposure. Each blistering sunburn |
| Ozone in the Earth's atmosphere filters out a portion | | | | doubles the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. |