What is UV - UV-C Light?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of radiation. It has more energy than radio waves or visible light but less energy than X-rays or gamma rays. You can be exposed to UV light via natural sunlight or through human-made sources like tanning beds.

UV light was first discovered by Johann Ritter in 1801. He was conducting experiments in regards to photo paper and realizing that it turned black more rapidly in blue light than red light. He then exposed the photo paper to light beyond violet and it turned black proving the existence of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths than visible light.

Although UV waves are not visible to the human eye, some insects, such as bumblebees, can see them. The Sun is a source of the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, which is commonly subdivided into UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.

UV-A light has the lowest amount of energy. When you’re out in the sun, you’re mainly being exposed to UVA light. Exposure to UVA light has been linked to skin aging and damage.

UV-B light sits in the middle of the UV light spectrum. A small portion of sunlight contains UV-B light. It’s the main type of UV light that contributes to sunburns and causes most skin cancers.

UV-C light has the most energy.

UV-C light from the sun is mostly absorbed in the Earth’s ozone, so you’re not normally exposed to it on a daily basis. However, there are various human-made sources of UV-C light. UV-C light kills germs like viruses and bacteria through damaging molecules like nucleic acids and proteins. This makes the germ incapable of performing the processes that it needs to survive.