Ultraviolet light is an invisible type of electromagnetic radiation to the naked eye. It is classified as a type of ionizing radiation because it can decompose molecules. So why is ultraviolet light important? Here’s an overview of ultraviolet light and its uses and examples.
UV light is a type of light that falls in the electromagnetic spectrum. As the name implies, it’s much shorter than the visible light spectrum (which is why it’s not visible to the naked eye). While much of the light we can see is divided into colors, UV light is just one wavelength. It’s pretty hard to see it, but it’s everywhere.
What Is Ultraviolet Light
Although UV rays are invisible to the naked eye, they are all around us in sunlight. They are also present in indoor artificial lighting sources like fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps. They are present during daylight hours because the sun’s rays consist of multiple wavelengths of light, from visible light to infrared radiation. UV rays are classified as UVA, UVB, and UVC based on their wavelength: 315-400 nm (UVA), 280-315 nm (UVB), and 100-280 nm (UVC).
These wavelength ranges correspond to different biological effects. For example, UVA is responsible for sunburns and skin cancer; UVB exposure causes DNA damage that can lead to cancerous tumors; UVC radiation can cause severe skin damage and even death. Get UV Light Service in Canton.
Uses Of Ultraviolet Light
UV rays damage free radicals that can damage DNA and cause mutations. Scientists have studied the effects of UV light on bacteria and other microorganisms in the hopes of developing treatments that could prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In recent years, researchers have found that UV light can kill pathogenic microbes (i.e., disease-causing organisms) without harming other cells in the body. Because of these findings, using UV light to treat bacterial infections has become popular in many hospitals and clinics around the world. Learn more about How do UV light sanitizers work?
However, scientists caution against using excessive doses of UV light to treat infections. That’s because high doses of UV light can destroy normal cells along with the target microbes, causing permanent damage to the immune system and the potential for the development of cancer later in life. With this in mind, researchers are working to develop safe therapeutic uses of UV light so that infection can be treated without putting the patient at risk of serious harm.
Ultraviolet Light And Vitamin D
Other applications of UV light include vitamin D production in humans and animals. Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble compounds essential for bone growth and health. Several studies have shown that people with low vitamin D levels are more likely to be at risk of developing osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Our bodies can produce vitamin D naturally through exposure to sunlight. However, not enough sunlight makes it to the ground during the winter months making vitamin D deficiency a common occurrence for people in northern climates.
Because of this, doctors often prescribe vitamin D supplements to treat patients at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Studies have shown that UV light can trigger the production of vitamin D in both animals and humans. If future studies prove this to be a safe treatment, then the availability of natural sources of vitamin D might be significantly expanded. Finally, researchers are investigating the potential use of UV light as a treatment for several skin conditions, such as psoriasis and acne.
Examples Of Ultraviolet Light
UV light is one of the most common forms of electromagnetic radiation. UV light is used to sterilize medical equipment and kill bacteria. It is also used in tanning beds and other sun-treating devices. Examples of UV light are UVA and UVB rays.
UVA
The longest wavelength in the visible light spectrum accounts for about 95% of the UV spectrum.
UVB
Shorter than UVA but longer than UVC, accounting for approximately 5% of the UV spectrum. Ultraviolet radiation is harmful, so it is recommended that exposure to sunlight be limited. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause skin cancer.
It can also cause eye damage and the degradation of the cornea. However, short exposure to sunlight can be beneficial to a person’s health because they promote vitamin D synthesis in the skin. This vitamin is essential for strong bones and teeth and helps to regulate the immune system. The sun also provides the body with the necessary energy to function normally. It provides the light that is needed by the eyes to function properly. It also provides heat that helps regulate body temperature and is essential for maintaining optimal body function. But most people don’t realize the harm that can be caused by too much sun exposure.
Even if a person takes proper precautions by wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen to the skin, it is still possible to get sunburned and experience other harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Some dangerous side effects of excessive sun exposure include premature skin aging, and sun poisoning. Secondly, it also includes an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet light can also contribute to the development of eye cataracts. Cataracts are clouding of the eye lens that causes vision impairment and blindness if left untreated. Early detection and treatment of cataracts can help prevent vision loss. It is important to note that UV rays do not only come from the sun.