definition of uv-radiation
what is uv-radiation?
ultraviolet radiation ( uv ) is similar to visible light or radiowaves of electromagnetic radiation. however, it is not possible that the human eye can perceive uv-radiation. according to the definition uv-light can be found in the spectrum's part of 400 nm to 100 nm. due to this, uv-light follows the blue part of visible light ( 780 nm to 400 nm ).
the biggest natural source of uv-radiation is the sun. the proportion of uv-light in the sunlight played an important role for the development of life on the world. uv-radiation is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
handling with UV-RADIATION
uv-radiation has much more energy than visible light. that is why a wrong usage with uv devices or the usage of inappropriate devices can evoke damage of both the skin and the eyes. on the other hand, uv-a-radiation ( 400 nm to 315 nm ) is classified, according to scientific research, as nonhazardous.
it is the way round with uv-b-radiation and uv-c-radiation ( 315 nm to 200 nm ) they are able to lead to acute and cronic damage of both the skin and the eyes. nevertheless, for some applications this part of radiation is exactly needed.
what protects you from uv-b-radiation and uv-c-radiation?
- optically opaque coverages at uv facilities
- wearing of pairs of goggles against uv-light
- cloths to protect the skin against damage
the effect of UV-RADIATION
uv-radiation causes photochemical reactions within illuminated things. different effects can occur, however, this depends on the energy and the uv-radiation. therefore, it is needed to distinguish between the single wavelength ranges :
- uv-a- radiation ( 400 nm to 315 nm )
- uv-b- radiation ( 315 nm to 280 nm )
- uv-c- radiation ( 280 nm to 200 nm )
- vuv- radiation ( 200 nm to 100 nm )
- vux- radiation ( 100 nm to 1 nm )
for industries the most important part is the uv-a- radiation ( 400 nm to 315 nm ). with the uv-a- radiation plastics and adhesives are hardened. fluorescence examinations are also done. within the sun you can find the uv-b- radiation which has the proportion with the most energy. uv-b- radiation plays a role in the accelerated aging of synthetics.
the uv-c- radiation ( 280 nm to 200 nm ) has sufficient energy to deaden microorganisms. that is why uv-c- radiation is used to sterilize the air, water and packaging material. uv- colors and paints can also be dried with the short-waved uv-c- radiation.
