ULTRAVIOLET

What is UV Light?

Ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Although UV waves are invisible to the eye, some
insects, such as bumblebees, can see them. This is similar to how a dog can hear the sound of a whistle just outside
the hearing range of humans.

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT FROM OUR SUN

The sun is the source of the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, which is commonly subdivided into UV-A, UV-B,
and UV-C. There is a reason why we use sunblock at the beach and this is to prevent our skin from being damaged by
harmful UV rays. Such example starts with UV-C rays since they are most harmful, UV-A rays are least damaging.

DISCOVERY

In 1801, Johann Ritter conducted an experiment to investigate the existence of energy beyond the violet end of the
visible spectrum. Knowing that photographic paper would turn black more rapidly in blue light than in red light, he
exposed the paper to light beyond violet. Sure enough, the paper turned black, proving the existence of ultraviolet
light.

FUN FACT

ULTRAVIOLET ASTRONOMY

Scientist use data from satellites positioned above the atmosphere, to sense UV radiation coming from our sun and
other astronomical objects. Scientists can study the formation of stars in ultraviolet since young stars shine most of
their light at these wavelengths.

APPLICATION & BENEFTS

1. Vitamin
The production of vitamin D is a vitamin essential to human health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium
and phosphorus from food and assists bone development. The World Health Organization (WHO)
recommends 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure 2 to 3 times a week.

2. Sterilisation and Disinfection

UV-B also helps us when we hang washing outside to dry, as some of the bacteria present in the washing are
inactivated by exposure to UV-B. This helps to protect us from infection. Inactivated bacteria and viruses are
as good as dead because they are not able to reproduce and multiply. Practical applications range from
treating drinking water to dentistry.

3. Astronomy
Very hot objects emit some amount of UV radiation. The hotter the object, the more UV is emitted.
Observing and recording the UV from astronomical such as planets in our solar system, stars, nebulae and
galaxies enables us to gain extra information such as the temperature and chemical composition of these
objects. The only problem is that our Earth’s ozone layer absorbs much of the UV and so these observations
need to be made outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
 4. Fluorescence and lighting
A number of substances are able to absorb the energy in UV light and immediately convert it into visible
light. This effect is called fluorescence. The ink in highlighter pens contains a fluorescent dye that enables the
ink to reflect vividly in sunlight and to glow strongly in the dark when a UV lamp is shone on it. We can use
UV and fluorescence to make efficient lighting for offices, workshops and our own homes.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS

 Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of
prolonged UV exposure.
 UV exposure increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases, if eye protection is not used.
 Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer.

TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM UV RADIATION

 Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.

 Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
 Consider options to protect your children.
 Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
 Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays.
 Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, for both UV-A and UV-B protection.
 Avoid indoor tanning. Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger people.