Ultraviolet light (UV) is a type of electromagnetic radiation discovered by Johann Wilhelm Ritter, a German philosopher and physicist in 1801. It is a light that is invisible to humans and has many curious uses, such as
- Medical treatments
- Aesthetic treatments
- Cultivation of plants
- Food sterilization
- Water purification
It is a very inefficient light as far as illumination is concerned since given its wavelength, it is not visible to the human eye, but there are animals such as some mammals and insects that are capable of distinguishing it.
There are also materials or elements that when exposed to ultraviolet light create a certain phosphorescence, such as the light with which banknotes are examined to detect that they are not counterfeit, or like the light we find in discos or bars that makes the white colors stand out.
Ultraviolet rays change cell DNA, which damage skin cell turning it into a cancerous one. The UVB rays cause sunburns but the UVA rays penetrate deeper and set the stage for developing skin cancer. UVA is the predominant kind of UV light that is accessible from tanning beds. It is still unknown how certain skin disorders respond to UV light but can be harnessed for good.
Ultraviolet light – what is it for?
Ultraviolet light has numerous applications:
Medical Therapy
At a medical level, it can be used to treat jaundice in newborns and to remedy dermatological or skin pathologies, such as psoriasis. Ultraviolet light therapy allows skin cells growth and changes the immune system, which works in several conditions like Eczema, Vitiligo [skin pigment loss], Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, persistent itching, and graft vs. host disease [associated complication in bone marrow transplant].
UV light therapy is administered with different devices like light beds or cabinets. Small equipment includes cabinets for feet or hands, combs emitting light that reaches the scalp, handheld light, and lasers for the high-intensity beam on small parts. The sessions can last for a few seconds or an hour depending on the severity of the condition.
Aesthetic use
It is a very popular technology at an aesthetic level since many people use the machines with ultraviolet light to preserve their tan throughout the year or to dry nail polish when doing their manicure.
Agriculture sector
Another application is found in agriculture since ultraviolet lights simulate some of the conditions of sunlight and can be used for growing plants in adverse climates.
The sterilizing use of UV light is essential since thanks to this light food are sterilized and environments are disinfected to prevent contagion or other risks.
Water sterilization
Perhaps the most valuable benefit of ultraviolet light is its application to make water drinkable. With this light, the water can be purified of bacteria, viruses, and microbes.
Ultraviolet light in a water dispenser
Waterlogic uses ultraviolet light to make water drinkable
In Waterlogic we use the beneficial properties of ultraviolet light to disinfect the water dispensed by our machines, and thus be able to offer pure drinking water at 99.9999%.
Ultraviolet light is used to purify drinking water of certain elements that contaminate it, including bacteria, viruses, and microbes. Treating drinking water with UV Lights are one of the most effective methods of obtaining pure water.
From a technical point of view, ultraviolet rays penetrate the pathogens present in the water and attack their DNA, eliminating their ability to reproduce. The use of ultraviolet light has no impact on the color, smell, or taste of the water, and of course, does not represent any risk to human health.
Ultraviolet light, although imperceptible, is part of our lives in different fields and with diverse applications. Given its importance in sterilizing food and environments, companies like Waterlogic use this technology to offer the safest and purest products to their customers, thus avoiding any risk.
In Conclusion,
Ultraviolet rays have had countless important uses over time, some of which are –
- Ultraviolet radiation was applied many years ago with very good results, in different alterations of the locomotive system.
- Besides the light visible to the human eye, solar radiation also emits ultraviolet light, which produces, among other things, the tanning of our skin by exposure.
- This is used in the application of physical therapy for the treatment of numerous conditions.
- The most natural way of phototherapy is the one that uses sunlight, which is called HELIOTHERAPY.