What is the UV Light Meter For?

The higher the light intensity (energy, wavelength) a light source has, the faster it can cause damage. UV light is a strong, intense light. It is produced by the sun but can also be found in man-made light sources such as fluorescent light bulbs. The human eye cannot detect UV light and so light meters are used to find, measure and monitor UV light. Once found there are several ways to redirect or block the UV light rays.

Preventing UV Damage

Collectors, museum directors and all kinds of conservators are obsessed with light, especially UV light. UV light is damaging to collectibles and particularly those items made of paper. A UV light meter is a tool they use often. The surface upon which the light falls, or the surface of the collectible is what is measured. This tells the user of the light meter what amount of UV light is reaching the object in question.

Detecting Radiation Levels

Cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors emit UV radiation. Upgrading to an LCD monitor is well-advised. But if that's not possible a UV light meter will reveal what the monitor is emitting. Once known, a path to blocking the rays can be devised. In fact, UV light meters can reveal the areas and surfaces affected by the UV rays from all objects in an environment. They can be used to test a home or work space for UV rays.

Laboratory Clean Up

Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation. It is used in laboratory settings typically for chemistry experiments. The testing of the presence of fluorescence in a material or sample may leave behind the substance on work surfaces and tools. UV light meters can be used in cleanup situations to make sure radiation is removed and not left behind to harm or contaminate.

UV Ingredient Degradation

UV degradation can happen in manufacturing and industrial operations. Quality control often includes UV light detection in the areas of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sensitive films and coatings, semiconductor manufacturing processes and printing processes, where it is vital to identify and monitor radiation. Protecting processes and materials may mean finding the originating source of the UV radiation and a light meter can help accomplish that. UV light meters can help businesses follow OSHA guidelines regarding radiation.

Testing For Hospitals

UV light is not always a problem. Hospitals are finding that it may be quite helpful for use in preventing tuberculosis transmission. UV light meters can assist hospitals in detecting the right levels for prevention. On the contrary, hospitals may have patients who are extremely UV light sensitive. Monitoring a patient's room and living space for UV radiation is easy with a UV light meter.