The Phenomenon of Phototoxicity and How Does It Affect the Human Skin and Potential Solution

The term phototoxicity refers to the possible damage caused by ultraviolet light exposure to photosensitive cells. In fact, phototoxicity is often called "UV toxicity" and is a fairly common side effect of many photochemical processes. Phototoxic substances include organic compounds, such as chlorophyll, that have been exposed to UV light. They are also found in the atmosphere and can be taken into the body via exposure to sunlight. Although there are some phototoxic substances, many of the phototoxic chemicals used in various photochemical processes are either very weak or totally non-toxic. It has been found that UV radiation is capable of damaging DNA by forming covalent bonds. This DNA damage, while not capable of causing any type of genetic defects, can cause mutations in DNA strands, which causes a variety of related problems.

The phototoxicity and photobleaching are also often found in other environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals, which are widely used as preservatives in fruits, vegetables, and even foods, can form covalent bonds between their molecule's electrons. These covalent bonds can eventually react with light and cause damage to both the molecules themselves and any living cells nearby. It is important to note that although the presence of phototoxicity and photobleaching in a chemical is a concern, it should not be used as an excuse to avoid using various types of photochemical processes. In fact, the majority of chemicals used for photochemical processes are not phototoxic and do not cause damage when exposed to ultraviolet light. Photobleaching can occur in two main forms. First, photobleaching can occur after exposure to sunlight; however, exposure to UV rays does not usually result in photobleaching. Second, photobleaching can occur from exposure to chemicals, which can create a reaction between light and the molecule.

Photobleaching is a process that is used for the removal of phototoxic substances, including chloropropanols, from a surface or in an interior space. Some of the compounds that may be phototoxic include the following: Benzene peroxide, Hydrogen peroxide, Peroxides (including nitric acid), and sulfur compounds, and ozone. Photofluorescence can be used in the photo filtration of liquids to eliminate chemicals, which may become photo compromises, such as carbonated water, ink, and water-based paints. Photo-active surfaces, such as wood and metal, are also treated with the method. Photoprotective coatings, including UV blocking and electrostatically treated metals, are used in applications where photo-active chemicals are not desired.