UV light and viruses

An Overview of UV Light and Viruses

Ultraviolet light has been used for many decades to provide lighting options and other industrial applications. However, the ultraviolet radiation emitted by these lights can be dangerous to humans. Keep reading for an overview of UV light, including its ability to kill viruses, as well as better lighting options for industrial and personal settings.

What is UV light?

Ultraviolet light, or UV light, is most commonly known for causing sunburns or tan lines. The electromagnetic spectrum covers a wide range of wavelengths, including UV light. Typically, UV light is considered within the wavelength range of 100nm to 400nm. On the electromagnetic spectrum, UV light is between visible light and x-rays.

Ultraviolet radiation

UV waves are not visible to the human eye, but they are used for many everyday items and practices. A major source of ultraviolet radiation is the sun. UV light is classified into three subcategories.

• UV-C rays are absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere and are the most harmful. The wavelengths for UV-C rays range from 100nm to 280nm.

• UV-B rays can lead to sunburn and cellular damage, and most UV-B rays are absorbed by our atmosphere. These rays range in wavelength from 280nm-315nm.

• Finally, UV-A rays are retained by the earth’s atmosphere and range in wavelength from 315nm-400nm.

Common uses for UV light

Ultraviolet light is used for a wide range of applications in our everyday lives. In the commercial, healthcare, and industrial settings, UV light is used to disinfect, provide lighting, or create photochemical reactions. Common uses for UV light include:

• UV lamps that dry inks

• Disinfection

• Hygiene control

• Fluorescent inspection lamps

• Tanning beds

• Surface disinfection for the food industry

• Processes to prolong shelf life and preserve nutrients

• Sterilization processes to reduce health risks

• Water treatment practices

• Blacklights

Perhaps one of the most common applications for UV light is fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent light bulbs are made with mercury vapour. When mercury vapour comes into contact with an electric current, it emits UV rays. The UV rays are absorbed before reappearing as white light. Incandescent light bulbs also give off UV light but in small amounts.

While these types of light bulbs give off small amounts of UV radiation, they are not harmful to humans. They may, however, be damaging to plants or small animals, paints, coloured plastics, museum exhibits, and other sensitive objects. Fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs were the standard for many years, but many industries have since sought better lighting options.

UV rays and LED lighting

The concern of damage from UV radiation led to a search for safer ways of living. As people became aware of the harm caused by UV rays from the sun, they started using sunscreen, sunglasses, and other products to protect their bodies. This protection can prevent sunburns, skin damage, and other cellular damage. Those concerns also shifted towards a search for better lighting.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase a person’s likelihood of contracting diseases, including cancer. While the threat and exposure level may be mild for lighting within the home, industrial settings are at a greater risk because more light is required. LED light bulbs, made from light-emitting diodes, use a semiconductor material to generate light, and they do not emit UV radiation. LED lighting is safe for humans, all living organisms, and sensitive materials or objects.

UV light and viruses

The Center for Radiological Research conducted a study that found low doses of UV-C light can kill airborne flu viruses. Light with a wavelength of 100n to 280nm can destroy viruses or bacteria and has been embraced by many hospitals for cleaning and sanitization. The shorter wavelengths of UV-C provide higher energy levels that destroy the molecular bond of the DNA of viruses.

UV sanitization lights have also become available to consumers on a smaller scale. UV light sanitizers can be used to clean cell phones, toothbrushes, surfaces, and more. However, it is important to remember that UV-C rays are harmful to humans, especially over prolonged periods of time. While these lights may be useful for industrial applications, they can damage human skin or eyes if misused.

Better lighting from Future House Store

If you are searching for a safer and better lighting option than UV light, Future House Store has your answer. As an LED lighting wholesaler, Future House Store offers a wide range of high-quality, energy-saving LED lighting at attractive prices. You can find LED products to meet your needs that are pleasant on your eyes while remaining safe.