What type of injury can result from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation?

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is primarily associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. This is due to the fact that UV radiation can cause direct damage to the DNA in skin cells. When skin cells are frequently exposed to high levels of UV radiation, this DNA damage can accumulate over time and lead to mutations. These mutations can disrupt the normal cell cycle, potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of tumors, including various forms of skin cancer such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

While the other listed options may relate to UV exposure in different ways, they are not as directly tied to serious long-term consequences as skin cancer. For example, while headache and acne may occur in some cases due to a variety of factors, they are not specifically caused by UV radiation exposure to the extent that skin cancer is. Blindness can result from UV exposure, particularly through cataracts, but it is a specific issue rather than the broader risk associated with skin cancer. Therefore, skin cancer stands out as the most significant and alarming outcome of excessive UV exposure, highlighting the importance of sun safety practices.