Free Ultraviolet (UV) Light Essay Sample

Ultraviolet light (UV) is a largely invisible variant of light which has intense electromagnetic energy and whose wavelength ranges from 0.1 μm to 0.4 μm. Normal visible light varies from 0.4 μm to 0.7 μm. There are, however, levels at which UV light can be visible to some organisms like birds and insects. It is different from visible light because it is of its high concentration; can result in chemical reactions and can harm human beings.
UV light is majorly derived from the sun. In addition there are other particular sources which can be utilized for production of these rays. The latter are essentially artificial methods of generating this type of light for specific industrial, academic or other practical applications. These methods include ultraviolet LEDs, mercury lamps and black lights.
UV light can be both detrimental and valuable. On one hand, it can result in a number of health risks like skin cancer, sunburn, weakening of the immune system, cataracts and other eye problems and speeding up of ageing. On the other hand, it helps in the formation of vitamin D in the human body, thus boosting the immune system. It also aids in healthy bone development. There are also assertions to the effect that it can help the body to avert the risk of cancer and hypertension.
UV light has a number of applications. To begin with, it is used to manufacture sensitive marks which are inserted in important documents such as credit cards, currency notes and passports to verify their authenticity. Moreover, it is used to validate antiques and analyze specific minerals and precious stones. Lastly, it is utilized in disinfecting products and killing of viruses and bacteria.