Which type of UV radiation is primarily responsible for sunburns?

UV B radiation is primarily responsible for causing sunburns. This type of ultraviolet radiation has a medium wavelength, which allows it to penetrate the skin and directly damage the DNA in skin cells. This damage leads to the inflammatory response associated with sunburn.

While UV A can also contribute to skin damage and is associated with deeper skin effects, such as photoaging and tanning, it is the UV B rays that are specifically linked to the immediate effects of sunburn. UV C, on the other hand, is not a concern for sunburns because it is mostly absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and does not reach the skin under normal conditions.

Understanding the role of UV B in sunburn helps in making informed decisions about sun protection, emphasizing the importance of broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.