How does UV radiation affect the bodys defences against disease?
Exposure to UV-B can suppress immune responses in humans and animals. Increased UV-B could therefore reduce human resistance to a number of diseases, including cancers, allergies and some infectious diseases. In areas of the world where infectious diseases are already a major problem, the added stress from increased UV-B could be significant. This is especially true for diseases, such as leishmaniasis, malaria and herpes, against which the body’s major defence is in the skin. Exposure to UV-B can also affect the body’s ability to respond to vaccinations against diseases. The effects of UV-B on the immune system are not dependent on skin color. Dark-skinned and fair-skinned people are equally at risk.
