Ultraviolet light is used in various equipment, including tanning beds, security lamps, water purification systems, and crime scene investigation tools. However, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can be harmful to health. Safety precautions such as protective gear and shields are recommended for those using UV equipment.
Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic light with a wavelength shorter than violet light but longer than the light used in X-rays. These types of lights emit a certain amount of radiation and energy, they are strong enough to kill germs and harm to some substances a fluorescent glow. Commonly called UV lights, they are often used in different types of ultraviolet equipment.
Tanning beds are one such type of ultraviolet equipment and work by using several fluorescent light bulbs to enhance an individual’s skin color. People who want to darken their skin often lie down on tanning beds. The customer gets into bed and turns on a timer to activate the machine. However, because the lights use a small amount of radiation and mimic the sun’s rays, using tanning beds poses health risks. The World Health Organization has issued a warning that tanning beds pose a serious carcinogenic threat to humans.
Security companies use ultraviolet equipment in the form of ultraviolet lamps. Security officers use a specific lamp called black light to find artificial substances. For example, this light could confirm the authenticity of rare banknotes and paintings.
Another type of ultraviolet equipment is an ultraviolet water purification system. This system cleans the air using germicidal ultraviolet lamps. These machines use ultraviolet rays with titanium dioxide to create an oxidative effect, which sterilizes the air and removes harmful toxins. These germicidal air purifiers are popular because they last a long time, require little maintenance, and can run on one battery per year.
Crime scene technicians use ultraviolet equipment to obtain forensic evidence from a crime scene. These lights are called ultraviolet monochromators and can detect bodily fluids such as semen, blood and saliva. Officers also use another ultraviolet light technology called optical spectroscopy to illuminate images of fingerprints and illegal substances. Optical spectroscopy uses special ultraviolet light and a magnifying glass to reproduce images of fingerprints and debris.
There are safety risks for people using ultraviolet equipment. The radiation from ultraviolet lights could be harmful to a person’s skin and overall health if exposed to it for an extended period. Most safety specialists advise people who use ultraviolet equipment to wear safety glasses and protective gloves designed specifically for ultraviolet rays. Workers who work around large ultraviolet equipment can also get ultraviolet face shields to protect their face and skin from ultraviolet light.
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