Too much of a good thing can be dangerous – 5 harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure
Daily doses of fresh air and sunshine are highly recommended. But sun exposure is one of those areas that can be related to “too much of a good thing can be dangerous”. You can receive a sunburn in less than 15 minutes and extended exposure can accelerate ageing.
There are several benefits from sunlight, including being a free mood enhancer. Sunlight increases the levels of serotonin in the brain – a hormone linked to improved mood. The sun can even help treat seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (Sad).
Five harmful effects of sun to human health
1. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Heat exhaustion is the human body’s response to excessive loss of salt and fluids. People living in a hot environment are at a higher risk of this condition. If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it can lead to heatstroke – potentially the most serious heat-related illness.
2. Sun damage to the eyes
Prolonged, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiations from the sun can damage our retina. In fact, solar rays can also cause the development of cloudy bumps along the edge of the cornea, preventing clear vision. UV light is also a factor in the development of cataracts.
3. Sunburn
Sunburns are recognised as one of the most common negative effects of too much sun exposure. But the maximum symptoms of sunburn do not usually surface until about 4 or 5 hours after the sun exposure happens. UV light is the cause of sunburn.
4. Skin cancer
One of the most serious consequences of prolonged sun exposure is the development of skin cancer. Because the sun damage to the skin develops over several years, the older you get, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer. The condition has become very common lately.
5. Quicker ageing
Sun exposure is a significant factor in accelerated ageing. UV light damages collagen and elastic tissues in the skin, so it becomes fragile and does not get back into shape, triggering sagging. Sun exposure also causes spots on the skin.
Read more : Kevin Jonas shares skin cancer diagnosis: Is climate change exacerbating the problem?
