Learn about UV light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a naturally occurring component of sunlight. It falls in the region between visible light and X-Rays in the electromagnetic spectrum (Figure 1). Generally, UV light is considered as falling between 100nm & 400nm in wavelength; however UV light in itself can be categorized even further into separate regions. Although scientists hold varying opinions as to the exact boundaries of these regions, it is generally considered to be approximately as follows: Far UV (or “vacuum”) 100nm – 200nm, UVC 200nm – 280nm, UVB 280nm – 315nm and UVA 315nm – 400nm. Of these UV regions, UVB and UVC are recognized as having the most significant germicidal and photolytic properties. These regions are however, significantly filtered out by the Earth’s atmosphere. As such, if we are to fully utilise the germicidal and photolytic properties of UVB and UVC light, we have to generate them here on Earth using commercially produced UV lamps.