Which health effect is commonly associated with UVB exposure?

• A. Hearing loss
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Skin reddening
• D. Hair growth

Answer: (C)

UVB exposure commonly causes skin reddening because UVB directly damages skin cells in the outer layer and triggers an inflammatory response that manifests as erythema, or sunburn. The higher-energy UVB photons create DNA damage in epidermal cells, producing signaling that leads to inflammation and increased blood flow to the area. That increased blood flow is what gives the skin its red appearance after sun exposure. While UVB can also drive vitamin D synthesis, the well-known, everyday health effect people notice first is the reddening of the skin. The other options aren’t typical effects of UVB exposure in this context.