Description

Solar Radiation is the radiant energy, particularly electromagnetic energy, emitted by the sun. About half of this radiant energy is in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum whilst the other half is comprised mainly of near-infrared (IR) and some ultraviolet (UV) portions of the spectrum. Solar radiation is the energy source that drives the various systems (climate systems, ecosystems, hydrologic systems, etc) on Earth and is a requirement for life as we know it. However, over exposure to the sun's radiant energy, in particular the shorter wavelength, higher energy UV light, can cause detrimental health effects.

This article examines the effects of solar radiation on the human population with focus on flight crews.