Ultraviolet Light Is Known As The Ultimate Germ-Killer… But Did You Know There Are Three Types Of UV Light?
So What’s The Difference Between UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C Light?
According to the World Health Organization, Ultraviolet (UV) light falls into three categories. They’re classified according to their wavelength and vary in their biological power as well as in the extent to which they can penetrate skin cells and eliminate microorganisms. The shorter the wavelength, the more powerful the light is. Find out which is best for killing germs!
3 Types Of UV Lights
1. UV-A
Category A is the longest of the three wavelengths, and the lowest energy form of UV radiation. It accounts for approximately 95% of the UV light rays that reach the Earth’s surface. It’s the reason we tan, as it penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, and while it’s not nearly as harmful as the other categories, it can be responsible for premature aging and excessive wrinkling. Be aware that according to the American Cancer Society, research shows that UV-A could also contribute to skin cancer.
2. UV-B
Category B is a medium wavelength, a higher energy form of UV radiation that can permeate the superficial layers of the skin. It causes short-term skin effects like tanning and burning, but can also contribute to advanced aging of the skin and skin cancer. Most solar UV-B rays are filtered by the atmosphere, meaning that only about 5% can actually reach earth.
3. UV-C
Category C is the shortest wavelength of UV radiation, making it most powerful and potentially damaging type of UV light. Fortunately, it is almost completely absorbed by our Earth’s ozone layer, preventing it from bringing intense harm.
While UV-C light has the potential to be the most dangerous, it’ been harnessed to be the most powerful germ-fighting light there is! Thanks to technology, it disinfects the hospitals we are treated in, the busses we ride, and even the air we breathe!
Did you know that your home’s indoor air quality could be worse than the air outside it? Why not utilize nature’s most powerful virus, allergen, pollutant-fighting force to purify your home’s air? If you’re interested in breathing the cleanest air of your life, have one of our Indoor Air Quality experts out to your home to install your new disinfecting, purifying system!
