Question

Snow blindness is caused by

• A. UV-A rays
• B. UV-B rays
• C. UV-C rays
• D. Infrared rays

Hint:

UV-{B} causes {B}lindness (Snow blindness) and DNA damage (Skin cancer).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding Snow Blindness:
Snow blindness (photokeratitis) is an inflammation of the cornea caused by high exposure to UV radiation, often exacerbated by reflection from snow.
Step 2: Specific UV Type:
UV-B radiation (wavelength 280-320 nm) is biologically damaging. The cornea absorbs UV-B radiation, and a high dose causes inflammation. UV-C is mostly absorbed by the stratosphere, and UV-A is less potent in causing this acute surface damage. Hence, UV-B is the primary cause cited in environmental biology (e.g., related to Ozone depletion effects).