What Are the Applications and Uses of Ultraviolet (UV)
From disinfection to nail care, UV LED lights are enhancing health, beauty, and forensic science. Read on to learn how UV light’s unique properties make a difference across various fields.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light. Depending on the wavelength, UV light is classified into three categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
Although invisible to the human eye, ultraviolet light has significant applications in various fields, and with the development of UV LED lights, they have expanded even further. Today, we will discuss some UV LED light applications.
What Are Ultraviolet Lights?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is an invisible form of electromagnetic energy (light energy) that travels at a higher frequency and carries more energy than visible light. When first discovered in the 19th century, UV light was originally called "chemical rays" because it could cause certain substances to change at the molecular level.
Until 2010, there was no commercially available ultraviolet LED light. However, as LED technology develops, UV LED lights have expanded into the market and begun to be used in various industries, such as beauty and healthcare
Each of the different frequencies of ultraviolet light has specialized applications for other sectors. For example, UV-A is used in nail care, while UV-B and UV-C are used for sterilization and medical light therapy.
Here are a few examples of the many applications of UV LED lights:
Industrial and Cosmetic Curing
UV curing is a process that uses UV light to instantly cure or "dry" inks, coatings, adhesives, resins, and polymers so they solidify without heat.
Years ago, nail polish cures were done using unregulated UV lamps. Still, in 2013, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported a potential danger of skin cancer. The study found that LED lamps were much safer for this application due to their lower light frequency.
Flexfire LED's Ultraviolet LED Strip Lights emit UV-A, which is precisely the type of UV LED light for nails and safe for skin exposure, so our lights are ideal for manufacturing the lamps used in nail salons.
Analytic Tools
Another UV light application is the UV analysis lamps used to excite the electrons of examined substances, causing them to glow and making certain materials visible to the human eye. Some substances and fluids that react to ultraviolet light by emitting fluorescence or changing color include:
Gemological Field
Ultraviolet (UV) light is an essential tool in gemology, allowing mineral and stone collectors to identify and authenticate gems and minerals.Experts can distinguish natural gems from synthetic or artificially treated ones by observing the fluorescence that some stones, such as diamonds and rubies, emit under UV light.
Additionally, collectors use it to identify and classify fluorescent minerals, such as calcite and fluorite, which glow under UV light.
Sterilization and Disinfection
The medical field uses UV-C radiation, an excellent choice for air and water purification. This process occurs because high radiation destroys the genetic material of microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, preventing them from infecting humans. This type of disinfection uses ultraviolet light in the food production and health sectors, among others.
In fact, this is one of the reasons why drying clothes in the sun is recommended; in addition to avoiding energy-hungry dryers, natural UV light kills potentially harmful bacteria on clothes.
Indoor Gardening
UV LED lights play an important role in indoor urban gardening for fruits, vegetables, and other plants grown for human consumption. UV LED lights increase the production of polyphenols, which are believed to have antioxidant and anti-aging qualities.
In addition to edible gardening, UV lights have beneficial applications for resin-producing plants such as medical marijuana by increasing the potency of their medicinal properties and stimulating the production of therapeutic compounds,such as cannabinoids and terpenes.
Health Properties
UV phototherapy is used today to treat certain skin conditions, including psoriasis and vitiligo, and inhibit the growth of a certain type of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, UV lights resulted in long-term remission among many patients in the early stages of the disease when used alongside other treatments.
For psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition caused by immune system malfunction, UV light suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammatory responses.
Dangers of UV Light
Exposure to unprotected ultraviolet (UV) light can cause various effects and damage to the skin and eyes, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
However, UV lights used in nightclubs, known as "black lights," emit UV-A radiation, the same as our UV LED strips. This type of UV-A has a lower energy and longer wavelength than other forms of UV, meaning it does not penetrate the skin or cause damage.
The Importance of UV Light Applications in Everyday Life
UV light has many applications, from cosmetics and medicine to disinfection and forensic investigation. Although we have highlighted several key uses, such as sterilization and skin care, UV LED lights also have applications in everyday life.
UV light plays an important role in purifying and treating pools without using chemicals, food preservation, dental treatments, and pest control. These applications improve efficiency in various industries and contribute to our health and well-being.
Contact Flexfire LEDs to Learn More
Are you interested in purchasing UV LED lights, or do you have any unanswered questions? Contact us or give us a call at (925)273-9080, and let one of our lighting specialists help you realize your LED project today.
