Environmental & health impacts of ultraviolet radiation: current trends and mitigation strategies

Abstract

Abstract Contrary to the conventional wisdom and practices moderate non-burning ultraviolet (UV) radiation may be beneficial to our existence, but ecosystems and human health are seriously threatened by the rise in UV radiation from ozone layer loss and climate change. Nevertheless, there is less current information on the environmental effects of elevated UV radiation stress. This review looks at the patterns in UV radiation levels today and emphasizes the causes, which include anthropogenic activities and the loss of ozone. With a focus on physiological, cellular, and ecological mechanisms, the effects of UV radiation on the environment, wildlife, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and human health are thoroughly discussed. Various mitigation tactics, such as technological ones like UV-protective materials, biological ones like breeding UV-resistant species, and policy ones like public education and international agreements, are discussed here. This review provides a thorough understanding of the effects of UV radiation and potential mitigation techniques by combining these various strategies. This study provides crucial information that will help protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation on the environment and human health.

Keywords

• Ozone layer
• UV-B
• UV damage
• Skin cancer
• Food security