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Ultraviolet radiation (UVR)

Description of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), its sources and advice on protection from exposure.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is:

  • produced by the sun and some artificial sources
  • invisible to the human eye

Solar UVR that can reach the earth’s surface is subdivided into 2 types:

  • ultraviolet B (UVB)
  • ultraviolet A (UVA), which is less energetic

Some people are also exposed to UVR:

  • at work
  • as a medical treatment
  • by using sunbeds


More information on the effects of UVR, including advice on eye protection, can be found on NHS.UK.

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Updates to this page

Published 11 December 2008