What are the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays?

Ultraviolet rays can cause significant harm to both living organisms and the environment. For humans, prolonged UV exposure leads to sunburn, premature skin aging, and increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. UV radiation also damages the eyes, potentially causing cataracts and other vision problems. Beyond human health, UV rays harm marine ecosystems by damaging phytoplankton, which forms the base of oceanic food chains. They also weaken plant immune systems, reduce crop yields, and degrade materials like plastics and paints. The ozone layer naturally filters most harmful UV radiation, which is why ozone depletion is such a critical environmental concern.