A UV test measures exposure to ultraviolet light and is used for commercial purposes such as determining color fastness in products like paint and fabric, as well as for photo stability in pharmaceuticals. UV detection is also used for human health to prevent skin cancer and sunburn.
A UV test is a test for measuring exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light, or UV, is a term used to describe electromagnetic radiation with ultraviolet waves shorter than light visible to humans. UV light is present in sunlight and can cause chemical reactions in some materials. This reaction causes them to glow, which is called fluorescence. UV tests examine the ultraviolet spectrum for commercial uses and ultraviolet detection for UV protection.
Commercial uses for a UV test are to determine color fastness in products. A sample is sent to a UV testing laboratory where it undergoes ultraviolet exposure in a controlled environment. A sun simulator is used to create ultraviolet radiation and simulate months or years of exposure.
Paint that would be exposed to long periods of sunlight, such as exterior building paint or automotive paint, can be tested to determine how long the paint will last. This allows manufacturers to change the chemicals used in their products if necessary. UV testing also allows manufacturers to promote the level of UV resistance the product has on the packaging.
Fabric manufacturers also use UV testing to determine how long the product will stay colored fast. If the dyes incorporated in the manufacturing process fade too soon, the product may start to degrade. Understanding dye life helps companies produce better products. This is also used for other materials such as plastic and paper.
Another commercial use for a UV test is for photo stability. This refers to how chemicals react when exposed to sunlight. Pharmaceuticals may be affected and in particular not be as effective when exposed to sunlight. UV tests help understand what changes may occur during exposure that can be harmful or cause dangerous reactions.
UV detection is also used for human health. Overexposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer and sunburn. UVA rays are the most common and are the rays used for tanning. Since UVA rays are the leading cause of skin cancer, tanning salons use a UV test to make sure tanning beds are calibrated correctly.
UVB rays are more intense than UVA rays and often cause sunburn. It affects the outermost layers of the skin and can be detected with a radiometer. A radiometer is used to measure levels of ultraviolet radiation. It does this by determining how much radiation has been converted into energy. The higher the temperature in the radiometer, the more radiation is present.
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