Which type of radiant light energy is associated with cancer risk?

Which type of radiant light energy is associated with cancer risk?

• A. Infrared
• B. Visible
• C. Ultraviolet
• D. Microwave

Answer: (C)

Ultraviolet radiation carries enough energy in its photons to damage DNA in skin cells. When skin is exposed to UV light from the sun or tanning beds, DNA bases can form abnormal bonds (like thymine dimers). If these lesions aren’t repaired properly, mutations can accumulate and lead to cancer, especially skin cancers. Infrared and microwave are mainly heat and don’t cause direct DNA mutations, and visible light has lower energy with minimal risk of the DNA damage linked to cancer. So ultraviolet radiation is the type of radiant light energy associated with cancer risk.

Ultraviolet radiation carries enough energy in its photons to damage DNA in skin cells. When skin is exposed to UV light from the sun or tanning beds, DNA bases can form abnormal bonds (like thymine dimers). If these lesions aren’t repaired properly, mutations can accumulate and lead to cancer, especially skin cancers. Infrared and microwave are mainly heat and don’t cause direct DNA mutations, and visible light has lower energy with minimal risk of the DNA damage linked to cancer. So ultraviolet radiation is the type of radiant light energy associated with cancer risk.