Sources of UVR

Solar UVR can reach us from three sources:

• Directly from the sun
• Scattered from the open sky
• Reflected from the environment

 

This means we do not have to be in the sunshine in order to receive UVR.  Even in the shade we can still receive substantial UVR exposure from the open sky and reflective surfaces. 

[diagram]

The UVR that comes directly from the sun is not the only source of UVR.  Other sources include:

• phototherapy,
• solariums,
• fluorescent, neon and halogen lighting,
• industrial arc welding
• industrial/workplace UVR lamps
• ‘Black lights’
• germicidal UVR lamps
• UV lasers