Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic energy with a wavelength just shorter than that of visible light. It is used in a variety of medical and industrial processes, such as photocuring of inks and plastics, photoresistance processes, solar simulation, cosmetic tanning, and dentistry. While it can be beneficial in some cases, UV radiation can also be hazardous to both the skin and the eyes. Adverse health effects that may occur from overexposure to UV radiation include erythema (sunburn), photokeratitis (a feeling of sand in the eyes), skin cancer, increased skin pigmentation (tanning), cataracts, and retinal burns.
Unfortunately, there are no immediate warning symptoms that indicate overexposure to UV radiation. Symptoms usually appear 4 to 24 hours after exposure and may disappear after 24 to 36 hours without permanent damage. The main source of UV exposure for most people is the sun. The Earth's atmosphere protects us from the more harmful UV-C and UV-B regions, so sun exposure is generally limited to the UV-A region.
Limiting our exposure time and using sunscreen lotions are two easy and effective methods to control overexposure to UV radiation. Artificial light sources emit radiant energy within the UV-C band. Wavelengths lower than 180 nm (UV under vacuum) have little practical biological importance, since they are easily absorbed by air. The extent of damage caused by exposure to UV radiation depends on several factors.
People with paler skin are more photosensitive than people with darker skin; however, high exposure to artificial sources of UV rays can damage any type of skin. Certain medications, chemicals, and dietary and herbal agents can affect a person's sensitivity to UV rays. Skin conditions or eye infections can also cause increased photosensitivity, even in people who are not normally photosensitive. Germicidal lamps are used in a wide variety of applications where disinfection is the primary concern, such as air and water purification, food and beverage protection, and the sterilization of sensitive tools, such as medical instruments. They emit radiation almost exclusively in the UV-C range.
The wavelength with the highest efficiency is 253.7 nm, which defines the germicidal category. Germicidal light destroys the ability of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens to multiply by disabling their reproductive abilities. Lamps that generate energy at wavelengths lower than 250 nm (particularly 185 nm) are very effective in producing ozone, which is necessary for certain applications to oxidize organic compounds. UV transilluminators or UV light boxes are used in biotechnology for the visualization of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) after gel electrophoresis and ethidium bromide staining. The samples are placed in the lighting window and illuminated with UV light. The devices operate in one of several wavelength bands, depending on the type of sample. A solar simulator (also known as artificial sun) is a device that provides lighting that approximates natural sunlight.
The purpose of the solar simulator is to provide controllable laboratory conditions for testing solar cells, sunscreens, plastics, and other materials and devices. Plasma recorders are designed for deposition and etching processes on silicon wafers and other substrates. They use radio frequency (RF) and microwave energy to create plasma inside a process chamber. A number of hazards, including process gases and hazardous chemicals, are associated with plasma recorders. UV radiation is often a secondary plasma hazard. It can also escape from other parts of the system (e.g., camera's graphic windows).
Careful filtering and shielding are required to avoid exposure to UV rays.It is important to take safety precautions when using any type of device that emits UV radiation. Limiting exposure time is essential for protecting against adverse health effects caused by overexposure to UV rays. To ensure your safety when working with ultraviolet radiation sources, it is important to wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants as well as sunglasses or goggles when necessary. In addition to taking safety precautions when working with ultraviolet radiation sources, it is also important to be aware of potential health risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Overexposure can lead to sunburns, photokeratitis (a feeling of sand in the eyes), skin cancer, increased skin pigmentation (tanning), cataracts, retinal burns, and other adverse health effects. By understanding the potential dangers associated with ultraviolet radiation sources and taking appropriate safety precautions when working with them, you can help protect yourself from potential health risks associated with overexposure.