01. How do ultraviolet rays affect us in space? Would ultraviolet rays affect us differently in space than on Earth? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

Ultraviolet rays (UVR) have many effects on living organisms and they can also affect astronauts in space. Ultraviolet rays come from bright stars like our Sun. The effects of UV on biological systems depend on wavelength. Light is part of the electromagnetic energy spectrum. The ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum is subdivided into three bands termed UV-A, 400-320 nanometer (nm); UV-B, 320-290 nm; and UV-C, 290-200 nm. A nanometer (nm) is a millionth of a millimeter. UV-B may damage the outer part of the eye—the conjunctiva and cornea—and long term exposure to UV-A (320 nm to 400 nm) may play a role in formation of cataracts or retinal degeneration. The immediate effect of UV may be painful swelling accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light, which is called snow blindness. Arc welders may have a similar problem called welders flash if they don't wear their protective goggles. UV burns to the eye usually recover, although temporary pain can be severe. UV-B exposure may also damage skin, causing severe sunburn, and prolonged exposure may cause skin cancer. On the other hand, UV-B exposure is important in the production of vitamin D, but only requires 15 minutes of exposure on Earth to be effective.

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Answer provided by Dr. Jonathan B. Clark

Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer

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