Electromagnetic radiation and health of exposure. Ultraviolet light, specifically UV-B, has been shown to cause cataracts and there is some evidence that sunglasses worn at an early age can slow its development in later life. Most UV light from the sun is filtered out by the atmosphere and consequently airline pilots often have high rates of cataracts because of the increased levels of UV radiation in the upper atmosphere. It is hypothesized that depletion of the ozone layer and a consequent increase in levels of UV light on the ground may increase future rates of cataracts. Note that the lens filters UV light, so
UV filter nm), UVB (290-320 nm) and UVC (200-280 nm ). Ultraviolet absorbing compounds are the active ingredients of sunscreen products and other personal care products (e.g. lipsticks, shampoos, hair sprays, body washes, toilet soaps, and insect repellents). Chemical filters are generally used in combination in order to get sufficient protection against UV. They protect humans from the serious effects of UV radiation by absorbing, reflecting or scattering it. The reflection and scattering effecst are done by physical UV filters which are inorganic UV filters such as titaniumdioxide (TiO) and zinc oxide (ZnO). Absorption is accomplished by organic UV filters which are