This week Reactions is talking about the science of the most unavoidable carcinogen–the sun. There’s some vibrant chemistry that happens between your skin and the sun rays. Out in the open air on a beautiful summer day, most people don’t realize that they’re bathing in the world’s most common carcinogen – the sun’s rays. Ultra violet (UV) rays to be exact. Let’s take a look at how UV rays affect your body, and the sorts of built-in chemical defense systems you’re working with to stop any potential damage.

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Writer/Producer:
Kirk Zamieroski

Executive Producer:
Adam Dylewski

Scientific consultants:
Frankie Wood-Black, Ph.D.
Darcy Gentleman, Ph.D.

Music:
Smidi – Like That
Sam Leopard – Je Trace Ma Route

Sources:
UV Rays and carcinogenic light – https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/ultravioletradiationrelatedexposures.pdf

Broad Spectrum Breakdown – http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/roc/listings/u/uv/summary/index.html

General UV/sunlight – http://www.livescience.com/50326-what-is-ultraviolet-light.html

UV Index – https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-1

How UV Affects DNA- http://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/scibytes/how_ultraviolet_light_reacts_in

Melanin – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671032/

Types of Melanin – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2071942

Skin Cancer in African Americans – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7804993

UV radiation and cancer effectshttp://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol100D/mono100D-6.pdf

DNA Bulge – http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/UVB/Images/dna_mutation.gif

How UV Radtion Effects Life On Earth – http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/UVB/

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others’ butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it’s OK to pee in the pool? We’ve got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Reactions is produced by the American Chemical Society.