The ultraviolet spectrum is made up of wavelengths shorter than visible light and is invisible to humans. It is divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, with UVC being the most dangerous. UV rays can have both harmful and beneficial effects on human health, with some people using protective products while others intentionally expose themselves to UV waves.
The ultraviolet spectrum consists of wavelengths shorter than visible light. Unless blind, humans can see visible light. However, there are rays of light that even humans with healthy eyes cannot see. These rays are part of the ultraviolet spectrum.
Ultraviolet, sometimes abbreviated UV, means beyond violet. This name is appropriate because violet is recognized as the shortest visible wavelength. Ultraviolet light is even shorter and, therefore, invisible to humans.
The ultraviolet spectrum may be easier to understand by displaying a bar. If a person follows the length of that bar, he might think he can see it from start to finish. The ultraviolet spectrum can be represented by an extension of the bar that continues but is invisible.
Natural UV waves are produced by radiation from the sun. Many of these rays do not enter the human environment because they are blocked by the ozone layer. This is a gas mixture that serves as a protective barrier of the Earth.
Many products that offer UV protection claim to protect against various types of ultraviolet wavelengths. The ultraviolet spectrum is often divided into three parts. These can also be explained using the previous bar example.
The ultraviolet light closest to what the person believes is the end of the bar is called near ultraviolet or UVA. Beyond this is a group of wavelengths that make up the far ultraviolet segment. These can be referred to UVB rays. Further out there is a portion of the spectrum known as extreme ultraviolet or UVC. This is believed to be the most energy-intensive and dangerous segment of the ultraviolet spectrum.
The waves of the ultraviolet spectrum are not detected by human eyes, but affect human health. Some of the effects are harmful and some are beneficial. For example, humans need vitamin D. It is essential for calcium production and cell health. UVBs are generally required for a human being to make a healthy amount of this vitamin.
Conversely, excessive exposure to UV waves can be harmful. Many people have suffered sunburn. While this is often painful, it may be considered minor damage compared to what is possible. Various types of skin cancer can also result from excessive exposure to UV rays. Eye damage is also possible.
Some people use special products to protect themselves from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Such products include glasses with specially coated lenses and sunscreen lotions. Other people intentionally expose themselves to UV waves to affect their skin color. For this, they typically use items like tanning beds and tanning lotions.
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