Living with Our Suns Ultraviolet Rays

Sunlight is part of everyday life and we accept it as good-and good it is in a number of ways. The sun is our source of warmth, and of the light by which we see. It is, in fact, the source of the energy with which life continues on earth. It furnishes energy for photosynthesis, and the pro­ ducts of photosynthesis constitute our food, building materials, and fuel. A steady state of balance and fine interrelationships exists between life on earth and all the forces and stresses in nature. This book will pin­ point the balance and relationships we share with sunlight. Our primary focus will be on the ultraviolet radiation of the sun, and on the ultraviolet photobiology of life on earth. This is the story of the effects of the suns ultraviolet radiation, both good and bad, on all of us and all of life. We will explore the nature of the suns ultraviolet radiation as it reaches the earths surface today, and as it probably affected the earth in the distant past

You hear a lot about the dangers of UV light, particularly in relation to skin cancer and sunburn, but it has both positive and negative effects. For humans, UV light is a key part of the synthesis of vitamin D, and it can also help to improve mood and manage conditions like psoriasis. Killing Viruses with UV Light - TechEngage