American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Ultraviolet radiation is a type of radiation emitted by the sun that is known to cause skin burns as well as contribute to skin damage. This type of radiation is classified into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Of these, UVB is primarily responsible for causing sunburn and is also linked to skin cancers.

The mechanism behind skin burning involves the interaction of UV radiation with the DNA in skin cells. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to cell damage, inflammation, and increased melanin production, which results in the classic symptoms of burning, such as redness and pain. It’s important to use appropriate sun protection measures, like sunscreen and protective clothing, to reduce the risk of skin damage from UV radiation.

Infrared radiation, while it can contribute to warming the skin, is not primarily responsible for burning; rather, it primarily affects deeper tissues. Microwave radiation does not have sufficient energy to affect skin in the ways UV does. X-ray radiation has high energy and can cause significant damage but is not a typical type of radiation that one experiences from sunlight.