Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be found on the light spectrum and comes in various strengths (wavelengths), some of which can be harmful to human skin and eyes. All radiation is a form of energy, which is usually invisible to the human eye.
UV radiation is just one form of radiation and is measured on the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, a scientific scale. The sun is the biggest producer of UV radiation. Solar emissions from the sun include visible light, heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The UV spectrum is divided into three sections that include UV-A, UV-B and UV-C, with all of UV-C and only most of UV-B being absorbed by ozone, water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide, and none of UV-A being absorbed or filtered through the atmosphere. This means the no UV-C makes it through Earth’s atmosphere, some UV-B rays do and all of UV-A rays do.
Each type of UV has its own uses and effects. Some UV is used for disinfecting, but is harmful to human skin and eyes, while a slightly weaker UV is just as effective at disinfecting, but is not harmful to humans. Some UV is used in light therapy to help the skin produce vitamin D3.
The various uses and effects of the different types of UV light are many, which is why we just released a detailed white paper that breaks down the different types of UV radiation and explain their effects.
For a more detailed understanding of the effects of UV light, please click here to read our latest white paper called Understanding How UV Light Breaks Down and Kills Viruses.
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