Frequently Asked Questions
What is ultraviolet radiation?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (irradiation) is comparable to visible light in all physical characteristics. However, UV does not play a role in helping us to see things. The parts of the light spectrum that enable us to visualize objects are referred to as visible light. Many of us will remember from our chemistry and physics teachers that visible light is composed of the colors we see in a rainbow. The UV region of the visible light spectrum starts immediately after the violet end of the rainbow.
How do you measure UV radiation?
Radiation in the UV region of the light spectrum, wavelengths are measured using units referred to as nano-meters (nm). To put things into perspective, a single (1) nm = one-millionth of a millimetre.
Is UV Radiation Similar to X-Ray Radiation?
Variances in the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation have varying types of effects on people, animals, and plants. For instance, gamma rays are used in cancer therapy treatments as a means to destroy cancer cells, while infrared light is used in heating devices to provide warmth.
What are UV Wavelength Ranges, UVA, UVB, and UVC?
UV radiation has shorter wavelengths (higher frequencies) compared to visible light but has longer wavelengths (lower frequencies) compared to X-rays. UV radiation is divided into three wavelength ranges as illustrated in the picture to the left.