What Is UV Light and Its Top 5 Uses

Ultraviolet light, also referred to as UV light, is a form of light that’s part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It has a wavelength ranging from 100 to 400 nanometers.

This means that its wavelength is shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. Although UV light is invisible to the human eyes, humans can harness their power and energy. Research has proved that people can benefit from UV light in various ways.

Let’s look at the multiple uses of UV lamps in the commercial, industrial, and healthcare sectors.

The use of UV light in the indoor tanning industry is common. The light stimulates the production of vitamin D and replicates the impact of sunlight on the skin. It needs only about 20 minutes to tan the desired area of the body. Medical clinics use UV light therapy to cure various skin conditions. These include smallpox lesions, vertigo, psoriasis, eczema, and pruritus.

Having said that, too much exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of causing skin cancer and other diseases. So, it’s important to find the optimum amount of exposure and consult with a dermatologist annually if you’re receiving UV treatment regularly.

In addition, the use of UV radiation without protective gear can lead to burns and damage to your eyes. Although the sun emits UV-C radiation, the rays are absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer and don’t damage your eyes.

A number of substances absorb this light’s energy and convert it immediately into visible light. This force is called fluorescence. For example, fluorescent dyes in highlighter pens glow in the dark when a UV lamp is projected on them.

Similarly, UV lamps can be handy to inspect surfaces and materials. It can be used as analytical tools by detectives and authorities to check documents and forged banknotes. Additionally, UV lamps can provide efficient lighting in offices and homes and are often used at nightclubs for effect.

UV lamps are an efficient and safe way to disinfect water without using harmful chemicals that cause pollution in rivers and oceans. The light actively destroys the bacteria’s capacity to reproduce. This method is way more efficient than boiling water as it can also get rid of chloramine and chlorine from the liquid. As a result, UV germicidal light applications are used in drinking water treatments, pools, and spas.

This application can also kill germs found on utensils, worktops, and equipment. Many commercials industries use this technique to avoid food poisoning, cross-contamination, and to increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The technique helps to preserve their nutritional value.

Ultraviolet light can be useful in industries such as healthcare and hospitality. It can also help individuals quickly eliminate pathogens in the overlooked yet germy areas of the house.

Most importantly, UV technology complies with FDA safety regulations and strict local codes, so it’s 100% secure.

Ultraviolet light is used in air purifiers to kill mold, germs, and viruses that float in the atmosphere. Many homes and organizations including hospitals install UV light technology in their air conditioning system. They use it as a method to sterilize pathogens that can cause respiratory ailments.

UV lamps are useful to kill bugs indoors. Unlike humans, insects like wasps, mosquitoes, and houseflies can actually see UV light. As a result, they are attracted to the light that’s installed in a modern bug zapper and get electrocuted with the electric grids.

Indoor plants and crops don’t have access to natural sunlight. However, that doesn’t stop them from having the same benefits as those growing outside. Indoor UV lights can create these rays artificially so that you can replicate optimal growing conditions. If used correctly, it can be beneficial to plants. It will grow their root mass, cause more branching, increase resistance to bacteria and fungus as well as improve their taste and smell.

Additionally, the production of polyphenols also helps in the production of medical cannabis and improves its medicinal properties.

UV light is extremely versatile. It’s not just for industrial and commercial appliances, but it is also benefiting people in their day-to-day lives.