Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure
The higher the angle of the sun, the more intense the UV exposure. UV rays are composed of UVA, UVB and UVC rays.
- UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, while UVA and UVB rays reach Earth’s surface. UVA rays can penetrate skin (causing leathering or wrinkling), while UVB rays can cause surface burns.
- Even on days with clouds, UV exposure can still be high enough to cause sunburns. UV rays can reflect off water and sand.
- Sunburns can be bad enough to cause first-degree (redness/pain) to second-degree (blisters) burns.
