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ultraviolet B radiation
Pronunciation
Definition 1
Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Ultraviolet B radiation causes sunburn, darkening and thickening of the outer layer of the skin, and melanoma and other types of skin cancer. It may also cause problems with the eyes and the immune system. Skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In medicine, ultraviolet B radiation also comes from special lamps or a laser and is used to treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Also called UVB radiation. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
Ultraviolet B Radiation is the 290 to 320 nanometers portion of the sun's radiant electromagnetic energy spectrum, partially absorbed by the Earth's protective stratospheric ozone layer. Recent ozone depletion has permitted more UVB to reach the Earth's surface with a wide range of potentially damaging health effects related to skin, eyes, and immune system. Evidence shows a dose-response relationship between nonmelanoma skin cancer and cumulative exposure to UVB radiation. (NCI Thesaurus)
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