Answer :
Final answer:
UV rays stimulate vitamin D production in the skin, which is beneficial for bone health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Moderate exposure is enough for vitamin D synthesis, especially in areas with sufficient sunlight. UV light also has uses in technology and health, such as detecting counterfeits in currency and treating infantile jaundice.
Explanation:
The beneficial effects of UV rays on the skin primarily include the promotion of vitamin D production. Exposure to moderate amounts of UVB radiation, which is a component of sunlight, triggers the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin's epidermis. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining bone health and preventing diseases such as osteoporosis. Moreover, a growing body of research suggests that vitamin D might play a role in protecting against certain types of cancer, including prostate, breast, and colon cancers. Therefore, while it is important to avoid excessive UV exposure to prevent skin damage and cancer, moderate UV exposure — for instance, around 10 minutes a day to the arms, face, and legs without sunscreen — is seen as advantageous for vitamin D synthesis. Areas with less sunlight, especially during winter months beyond 37° latitude, may not provide enough UVB radiation for adequate vitamin D production through sunlight exposure alone.
Beyond its role in vitamin D production, UV radiation has technological uses, such as causing certain dyes to fluoresce, which is a method employed in security features of currency to detect counterfeits. Also, UV light is used in the treatment of infantile jaundice, where it helps to break down excess bilirubin in the blood, preventing potential toxicity.
