What Are the Toxicological Concerns of UV Radiation?
From a toxicological perspective, UV radiation is a physical agent that can cause both acute and chronic effects. Acute exposure can lead to sunburn and photokeratitis (a painful eye condition). Chronic exposure is more concerning as it can lead to cumulative skin damage, immunosuppression, and various forms of skin cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects involve direct DNA damage, oxidative stress, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
