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What are some useful ways to use UV rays?

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Ultra-Violet light is made by special lamps, for example, on sun beds. It is given off by the sun in large quantities. We call it "UV" for short.

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Melanoma is a type of  skin cancer caused by ultraviolet rays that develops within the eyes.
Large doses of UV can also cause a sunburn.

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UV lamps are used to sterilize surgical equipment. Ultraviolet rays are also used by doctors to treat Vitamin D deficiency and skin disorders. Some uses for ultraviolet rays or UV rays might include getting sun tans, detecting forged bank notes, or hardening some types of dental filling.

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Definition of Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is all around us even though our eyes can't detect it. Our bodies use it to make vitamin D, but too much exposure can cause painful burns and even cancer. Although UV light can be dangerous, it is also very valuable and is used in many ways. UV light is used to identify biological materials, like blood, at crime scenes and in places where sanitation is important. Because it can kill viruses and bacteria, it is also used to sterilize medical and biological research facilities and to sanitize much of our food and water.

Electromagnetic Waves

As previously mentioned, ultraviolet light is one type of electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves are different than waves on a string or waves that you see in water because they don't need anything to travel through; they are waves of pure energy and because of this, they can travel through empty space. They also move really quickly, traveling through space at the speed of light. All visible colors of light, as well as microwaves, X-rays, and radio waves, are also electromagnetic waves. The only difference between these types of electromagnetic waves is their frequency and wavelength. Ultraviolet waves, with wavelengths from 40-400 nanometers (nm), are those that fall between visible light and X rays on the electromagnetic spectrum. Because ultraviolet light has a frequency higher than that of visible light, it carries more energy and has the ability to penetrate our skin. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can cause sunburns and DNA damage, which can contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Types and Sources of UV Light

The sun is our primary natural source of UV radiation. Artificial sources include tanning booths, black lights, germicidal lamps, mercury vapor lamps, halogen lights, high-intensity discharge lamps, fluorescent and incandescent sources, and some types of lasers.

The UV spectrum is divided into vacuum UV (40-190 nm), far UV (190-220 nm), UVC (220-290 nm), UVB (290-320 nm), and UVA (320-400 nm). The highest energy forms of UV light (Vacuum UV, Far UV, and UVC) are almost completely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere in the ozone layer. However, UVB and UVA rays do penetrate the ozone layer. UVB is typically the most destructive form of UV radiation because it has enough energy to damage cellular DNA yet not enough to be completely absorbed by the atmosphere. Humans need to be exposed to some UVB rays so that we can produce vitamin D, a critical nutrient for bone production and repair. However, overexposure to UV light can cause sunburn, cataracts, and eventually lead to the development of skin cancer.

UVA is the most commonly encountered type of UV light and also the least harmful. UVA exposure causing tanning of the skin initially, followed by sunburn after prolonged exposure. Ozone in the atmosphere absorbs very little UVA radiation, and it is present even on cloudy days. UVA is also needed by humans for synthesis of vitamin D. However, just like UVB, overexposure to UVA has been associated with toughening and wrinkling of the skin, suppression of the immune system, cataract formation, and skin cancer.

Some Applications of UV Light

Here are some different ways UV light is used by human beings.

1. Fluorescent dyes

When UV light shines on certain dyes, they emit a light in the visible spectrum called fluorescence. Many fabrics and papers contain UV sensitive dyes that emit visible light when exposed to UV light. This enhances the color of the dye and causes it to appear brighter. To prevent counterfeiting, most paper currency is printed with a watermark or strip of UV-sensitive dye that can only be seen using a UV black light. This is also commonly used on credit cards, passports, and other sensitive documents.

2. Forensics

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wavelength & uses - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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What is Ultraviolet Light? - Definition, Wavelength & Uses - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is all around us even though our eyes can't detect it. Our bodies use it to make vitamin D, but too much exposure can cause painful burns and even cancer. Although UV light can be dangerous, it is also very valuable and is used in many ways.