UV radiation is an omnipresent phenomenon that has both a natural origin and is generated in technical production. We encounter it in many areas of life – from the sunlight that accompanies us every day to specific applications in professional fields and technical devices. But where exactly does UV light occur and what are the effects of ultraviolet radiation in different contexts? A closer look shows how versatile and at the same time risky this invisible source of energy can be.
Definition: What is UV light or UV radiation?
Natural light with UV exposure is omnipresent, that is an unalterable fact. Most people are confronted with this at the beginning of the summer when they buy a new tube of sun cream for the hot months. The first step is to clarify what UV light actually is.
- Ultraviolet (abbreviation: UV) radiation is a part of natural sunlight that is also a component of the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum includes all electromagnetic forces that emanate from the sun and affect the earth.
- In a natural environment or under natural conditions, UV light is invisible to the human eye.
- The important ozone layer prevents some of the UV radiation from entering our atmosphere.
- The intensity of UV rays depends on factors such as latitude, time of day, season and altitude.
Positive effect of UV light on the body
UV radiation is important for humans in moderation, as it is crucial for the formation of vitamin D.
Background information: What is UV light from a physical point of view?
Apart from these basic properties, this light phenomenon can also be explained in physical terms. From a scientific point of view, UV rays are electromagnetic waves that occur in different wavelengths and are measured in nanometres (nm). You should be familiar with the following subdivision:
- UVC radiation: Although UVC light has the shortest wavelength (100-280 nm), it is the most energy-rich radiation. It is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and therefore does not enter the earth's atmosphere.
- UVB radiation: UVB light has a medium wavelength (280-315 nm) and is less energy-intensive. It is partially blocked by the ozone layer, but also partially penetrates the earth's atmosphere.
- UVA radiation: UVA light has the longest waves (315-400 nm). Although the intensity is lower, this radiation completely penetrates the earth's atmosphere.
Our table shows the different wavelengths of UV radiation:
| UV-C rays | 100 nm – 280 nm |
| UV-B rays | 280 nm – 315 nm |
| UV-A rays | 315 nm – 400 nm |
Influencing factors: Why is UV radiation harmful?
The principle that UV light contains high-energy radiation means that UV light can be harmful to humans. The nature of ultraviolet radiation means that it can penetrate deep into the skin and eyes and cause permanent damage. If you are exposed to strong UV radiation, e.g. on a sunny day or from artificial UV sources, even for a short time, this has health consequences. The following points show what these are:
Damage to the skin:
- UVB rays can cause sunburn and damage the DNA of skin cells, which increases the risk of skin cancer.
- UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and promote skin ageing by destroying collagen fibres.
Damage to the eyes:
- UV rays can damage the cornea and lens of the eye, which can lead to ‘flashes’ (UV keratitis) or the development of cataracts in the long term.
- Excessive exposure can also cause retinal damage that impairs vision.
It can generally be said that UV radiation in the wavelength range of 280 nm – 400 nm is detrimental to health. Depending on its intensity, UV radiation has an acute or long-term damaging effect on the human body.
The terms light and radiation in everyday language
Light and radiation are terms that are often used interchangeably but have different meanings. It is therefore important to clarify what the two terms mean and how you should use them in connection with UV:
- Light basically refers to the range of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye.
- Radiation, on the other hand, includes all electromagnetic waves, from radio waves and microwaves to gamma rays.
- UV radiation is in the invisible range and combines the properties of light and radiation.
Invisible danger: Where does UV light occur?
UV radiation is a constant companion – both in everyday life and in many professional fields. It can come from natural sources such as the sun or be generated by technical applications. But where exactly do we encounter UV light and which areas are particularly affected?
Occurrence of UV radiation in everyday life
Since UV radiation comes from the sun, it is omnipresent in everyday life. Apart from its natural occurrence, various artificial sources also produce UV light. The most important areas in which UV radiation occurs in everyday life are
- Sunlight: the sun is the main source of natural UV radiation, which is particularly intense at midday and at higher altitudes.
- Technical devices: UV radiation is used in solarium devices, lamps with UV light for nail modelling or in air purifiers.
These occupational fields are exposed to UV radiation
We encounter UV light not only in everyday life, but also in the world of work. There are various occupational activities in which people are exposed to UV light. The following list shows which sectors are particularly affected by UV radiation:
- Outdoor activities: whether you work in the construction industry or in agriculture, if you work outdoors all day and your job also takes place particularly in the summer months, you will inevitably be exposed to UV light.
- Welding work: During welding work, UV radiation is produced by the arc discharge that welders use to join metal parts.
- Printing, paint and plastics industry: UV radiation is used in surface treatment to quickly harden materials such as paints, varnishes or adhesives.
- Food, pharmaceutical and medical technology: Employees in the healthcare and utilities industry use UVC radiation to disinfect and sterilise surfaces (e.g. in operating theatres), water and air. UV light is powerful enough to kill viruses and bacteria.
- Microbiology: Scientists use UV light in research-based or industrial laboratories to visualise substances.
- Semiconductor manufacturing: In the electronics industry, UV radiation is used in lithography to create microscopic structures in materials.
- Processing of glass and quartz: When cutting, melting or processing glass, high temperatures cause UV radiation to be emitted.
Need for action: Do you need to protect yourself against UV light?
The basic answer to this is always ‘yes’. It is very important that you protect yourself against UV radiation, as it can cause both short-term and long-term damage. Unfiltered UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The eyes in particular are sensitive to UV radiation, which can lead to corneal injuries or cataracts if left untreated. Effective protection reduces these risks and helps you to preserve the health of your skin and eyes.
How do you protect yourself against UV radiation in everyday life?
There are simple but effective measures you can take to protect yourself from UV radiation in everyday life:
- Sun cream: use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (at least SPF 30), especially on uncovered areas of skin.
- Sunglasses: Wear UV protective eyewear to protect your eyes from harmful radiation.
- Protective clothing: Clothing with UV protection, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts or special swimwear, significantly reduces exposure.
- Seek shade: Avoid direct sunlight during midday when UV radiation is at its strongest.
Combined, these measures provide effective protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation.
How can you protect yourself against UV radiation in professional activities?
Occupational activities with increased UV exposure require special protective measures to ensure the health of employees:
- Eye protection: wear safety goggles or face shields with UV filters, especially for work such as welding or semiconductor manufacturing.
- UV-proof protective clothing: Use long-sleeved protective clothing and headgear made of special UV-repellent material. You can also benefit from innovative work protection for the summer to reduce the UV hazard.
- Gloves: Protective gloves prevent UV radiation from damaging unprotected skin on hands.
- Technical shielding: Machines and workstations should be equipped with UV-absorbing materials to minimise exposure. Special UV protection films are available to apply UV protection to large areas of windows.
The risk of skin and eye damage can be significantly reduced by using professional protective equipment and suitable work precautions.
How do glasses work that protect against UV light?
Glasses that filter UV light protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can cause long-term damage such as corneal injuries, cataracts or retinal damage. They work with special technologies to block the dangerous UV wavelengths. The most important features of such glasses are
- UV filter coating: The lenses have an invisible coating that absorbs or reflects UV rays up to a wavelength of 400 nm. Thanks to the coating, UV rays do not pass through the lens.
- Material properties: High-quality materials such as polycarbonate or specially treated glass block UV radiation without impairing vision.
- Visual comfort: Some glasses offer additional glare protection by combining UV protection with polarised lenses to reduce reflections.
No chance for UV: use high-quality UV glasses in everyday working life
No chance for UV: use high-quality UV glasses in everyday working life
If you work in an industry where you are exposed to a lot of UV light, protecting your eyes is a top priority. So don’t make any compromises when choosing your UV safety eyewear. Find the UV eyewear that meets your expectations in the uvex range.
- What you see is what you get: The name of our uvex brand is made up of the letters of the two words ‘ultraviolet excluded’ and is our hallmark of quality. Our safety eyewear blocks 100% of UVB and UVA radiation - without exception!
- Maximum UV protection: The eye protection standard EN 166/170 applicable in Germany stipulates that safety spectacles must have UV protection of at least 380 nanometres (nm). At uvex, however, we go one step further: all our UV eyewear protects against UVA rays up to 400 nm. Our highly effective UV protection 400 is also recommended by the WHO.
- Decades of expertise: uvex has been setting standards in occupational safety since 1926 and remains true to its guiding principle of ‘protecting people’. We are constantly developing our uvex UV 400 safety spectacles with new technologies to guarantee high-quality products.
You may be interested in these other questions:
UV light and black light both belong to the ultraviolet spectrum, but differ in their wavelength and application. UV light comprises a broad spectrum of high-energy radiation that is invisible to the human eye, while black light is a special form of UV light that is used for certain effects. The main differences are:
- Wavelength: UV light covers the range from 100 to 380 nm, while black light (UV-A) is in the longer range between 315 and 400 nm and is less energetic.
- Application: UV light is used in medical, industrial and technical areas, whereas black light is mainly used for decorative effects, such as fluorescent colours in clubs or security features on documents.
- Visible effects: Black light lamps produce a faint violet glow effect and cause white surfaces to reflect this light, while UV light remains invisible in its entirety.
- Fluorescence: A wavelength in the UV-A range, typically between 320 and 400 nm, is required to cause fluorescence in certain materials and make them glow. The materials absorb the light and emit it again at a visible wavelength.
UV light and LED light differ fundamentally in their wavelength, their energy and their intended use. While UV light is a natural component of the electromagnetic spectrum and has both natural and technical sources, LED light is generated artificially and is primarily used for illumination. The most important differences are
- Wavelength and spectrum: UV light is in the invisible range (100-380 nm) and includes UVA, UVB and UVC radiation, while LED light operates in the visible range (approx. 380-780 nm), but can also contain UV components depending on the LED type.
- Energy and effect: UV light is energy-rich and is used for sterilisation, curing or analysis, for example, whereas LED light is energy-efficient and is primarily used for illumination.
- Sources and safety: UV light can have natural or special technical origins, but poses health risks in the event of direct contact, whereas LED light is generated artificially and is considered safer.
UV light or UV radiation is technically generated by special devices that specifically emit electromagnetic waves in the ultraviolet range. The most important methods of generation are
Gas discharge lamps: In devices such as mercury vapour lamps or xenon lamps, electricity is passed through a gas, producing UV radiation. This technology is often used in sterilisation devices, for UV curing or in analysis devices.
- LED technology: UV LEDs generate UV radiation using semiconductor components that emit electromagnetic waves in the UV range. They are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than conventional gas discharge lamps and are used in areas such as the printing industry or water disinfection.
- Arc discharge: During welding, UV radiation is generated by the high energy of an electric arc that joins metals. This radiation is a by-product and requires protective measures.
- Phosphor coating: This technique is used for fluorescent lamps with UV components. The inner surface of the lamp is coated with phosphor. The radiation generated inside the UV light lamp hits the coating and is converted into visible light or longer UV waves, depending on the desired effect.