The uses for UV light include a broad range of applications in commercial, industrial, and healthcare settings. Ultraviolet (UV) light is separated into three basic categories of UVA, UVB, and UVC based on the nanometer or wavelength of UV emissions. UVC light is the shortest wavelength emitted by the sun and is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.
- UVA light is between 315 to 400 nm
- UVB light is between 280 to 315 nm
- UVC light is between 100 to 280 nm
What is UV light?
Ultraviolet light, better known as UV light, is a source of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the sun. This source of UV can also be produced artificially while maintaining the properties of this source of light.
There are three main types of UV rays – UVA light, UVB light, and UVC light. These rays differ in the range of UV wavelength in which they are emitted.
These differences in UV wavelengths give these light sources varied properties that serve a multitude of functions.
Most common uses of UV light
The various sources of UV light are used in very different situations. For instance, while UVA light is the main source of light that is used in tanning beds, UVC light is the most common type of UV ray to be used for disinfection.
The following are highlighted uses of the three types of UV rays:
Phototherapy
UV lamps with UV light type B are often used in clinical settings to tackle skin-related diseases. Diseases that can be addressed using UVB phototherapy include eczema and psoriasis.
Under controlled doses and sessions, UV lamps can help alleviate the irritating symptoms of these skin diseases with little to no side effects. This makes UV lamps with UV rays type B a choice that is gaining immense popularity.
UV curing
Curing is a form of drying, and UV light is oftentimes used to dry ink or adhesives, among other substances with similar consistencies.
The reason why UV lamps in particular are used in curing is because the light from UV helps to dry the coats of ink or adhesives evenly and quickly.
Tanning
As mentioned earlier, tanning beds are a form of UV lamps that are quite popular.
These UV lamps work by emitting UV rays that promote the production of melanin in the skin. Melanin gives the skin a tanned appearance.
As with all light sources of UV, tanning beds should be used responsibly and not in excess.
Germicidal
UVC light is the main type of UV light that is used to disinfect and sterilize. UVC light is even potent enough to be used in medical settings.
It is also not uncommon for UVC light devices to be utilized in homes for those wishing for a quicker and more effective cleaning process with UV rays.
Illumination
As expected, UV can also be used to serve general illumination purposes. UV lamps emit bright light that conserves energy.
Some forms of LED light also emit UV light.
Lighted signs
Lit signs that emit UV light serve to attract attention. This eye-grabbing function that is thanks to the UV rays emitted can be crucial when it comes to highlighting emergency signs.
Emergency signs that may utilize UV light include exit signs on doors.
Backlighting
Backlighting is, as the name implies, when an object, a screen, or a button, has its light source coming from behind it. This allows the object in question to remain visible when the light in the room around it is dim.
This light function is vital in electronics that are used in cockpits and operating rooms.
UV light is usually the light source of choice for backlighting.
UVB Phototherapy
As we can see, UV lamps are used for all sorts of purposes. For UVB light, the main function lies in phototherapy.
As touched upon earlier, UV therapy targets skin diseases. Some concerns may arise in regard to the safety of such UV devices, but UVTreat’s UV lamps are all FDA-approved and are equipped with safety features.
The safety features that can be found on UVTreat’s UV lamps include a timer that allows you to set the duration of the UV therapy session. By limiting your UV therapy sessions to the required durations, you avoid encountering any adverse reactions.
The duration of the UV therapy session that you need may be decided by your health professional depending on your individual case.
In addition, UV phototherapy is proven to work faster and in a more effective manner than alternative treatment tactics for skin diseases.
Germicidal UVC Lamps and Applications
The food, medical, and transportation industries are only a fraction of the industries that utilize UVC light devices for disinfection purposes.
UVC light devices are used in the transportation industry to promptly sterilize seating areas on public vehicles, such as buses. UVC light devices are also used in the food industry to effectively treat food products and maintain sterility during production.
Similarly, in the medical field, surfaces, objects, and the air are disinfected using UV rays to achieve a high level of sterility and avoid the spread of pathogens.
UV Lamp Suppliers for the Many Uses of UV Light
UVTreat is an industry giant and a reliable supplier of UV devices of all kinds. From therapeutic to germicidal UV devices, you can rest assured that UVTreat’s machines are all FDA-approved and are designed to perfection!
UV light can be categorized into three main types, each with its own unique set of functions and uses. UVB, for instance, is used in UVTreat’s UV lamps that treat skin diseases, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. UVTreat’s UV lamps are also safe to use and are equipped with safety features.
Meanwhile, UVC devices are ideal for disinfecting surfaces, air, and water. UVTreat makes UVC devices accessible to every home by providing a line of well-engineered and highly effective UV devices that are safe for use in a wide range of settings.
UV lamps are quickly gaining popularity, and more uses of UV rays are surely going to continue to gain traction.
