Uses
When we expose our skin to UVB, it stimulates the production of vitamin D, which our bodies need. UVB also deactivates bacteria and viruses, which is why it is commonly used to sterilize surfaces of things such as medical equipment. In Astronomy, Observing and recording the UV from astronomical objects such as planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies enables us to gain extra information such as the temperature and chemical composition of these objects. 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.
Positive Effects
UV from the Sun is needed by our bodies to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones, muscles and the body’s immune system. UV is used in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis. This is a condition where the skin sheds its cells too quickly and develops itchy, scaly patches. Exposure to UV slows the growth of the skin cells and relieves the symptoms. Some animals (including birds, bees and reptiles) are able to see into the near UV light to locate many ripe fruits, flowers and seeds that stand out more strongly from the background. The fruits, flowers and seeds often appear quite different from how humans see them. For example, when seen in UV light, some flowers have different line markings, which may help direct bees and birds to the nectar. Many insects use UV emissions from celestial objects as references for navigating in flight. This is why a light sometimes attracts flying insects by disrupting their navigation process.
When we expose our skin to UVB, it stimulates the production of vitamin D, which our bodies need. UVB also deactivates bacteria and viruses, which is why it is commonly used to sterilize surfaces of things such as medical equipment. In Astronomy, Observing and recording the UV from astronomical objects such as planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies enables us to gain extra information such as the temperature and chemical composition of these objects. 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.
Positive Effects
UV from the Sun is needed by our bodies to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones, muscles and the body’s immune system. UV is used in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis. This is a condition where the skin sheds its cells too quickly and develops itchy, scaly patches. Exposure to UV slows the growth of the skin cells and relieves the symptoms. Some animals (including birds, bees and reptiles) are able to see into the near UV light to locate many ripe fruits, flowers and seeds that stand out more strongly from the background. The fruits, flowers and seeds often appear quite different from how humans see them. For example, when seen in UV light, some flowers have different line markings, which may help direct bees and birds to the nectar. Many insects use UV emissions from celestial objects as references for navigating in flight. This is why a light sometimes attracts flying insects by disrupting their navigation process.
Negative Effects
UV is an environmental human carcinogen. It’s the most prominent and universal cancer-causing agent in our environment. UV burns the skin. Sunburn is a burn that occurs when skin cells are damaged. This damage to the skin is caused by the absorption of energy from UV rays. Over-exposure to UV radiation has a harmful suppressing effect on the immune system. Prolonged exposure to UV or high intensities of UV (for example, in sunbeds) damages the tissues of eyes and can cause a ‘burning’ of the eye surface, called ‘snow blindness’ or photokeratitis. UV speeds up the aging of skin, since the UV destroys collagen and connective tissue beneath the top layer of the skin.
UV is an environmental human carcinogen. It’s the most prominent and universal cancer-causing agent in our environment. UV burns the skin. Sunburn is a burn that occurs when skin cells are damaged. This damage to the skin is caused by the absorption of energy from UV rays. Over-exposure to UV radiation has a harmful suppressing effect on the immune system. Prolonged exposure to UV or high intensities of UV (for example, in sunbeds) damages the tissues of eyes and can cause a ‘burning’ of the eye surface, called ‘snow blindness’ or photokeratitis. UV speeds up the aging of skin, since the UV destroys collagen and connective tissue beneath the top layer of the skin.