UV Light Technology

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UV light can be harmful; yet innovators have found several technological benefits.

Ultraviolet light is invisible to the naked eye. The sun gives off UV light and the Earth's atmosphere blocks most of its harmful effects. UV light can damage the skin, but scientists and researchers have been able to find helpful applications for UV-light technology.

  1. Water Purifier

    • To deal with widespread water shortages, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using UV water purification. Most water-treatment methods are costly. However, treating water with ultraviolet light can disinfect water at one-tenth of the cost of conventional methods. Exposure to the UV light kills harmful bacteria and purifies the water for human consumption.

    Light Therapy

    • Skin abnormalities and diseases like psoriasis can be treated with UV light technology. According to PatientLinx.com, UV light enters the skin and disrupts the process that causes inflammation and the scaling of skin cells. Both natural and artificially created ultraviolet rays are used in phototherapy to penetrate deep into the skin and eradicate skin lesions that resist traditional treatments.

    Artificial Tanning

    • One of the most popular applications of UV light technology is used for artificial tanning beds and sun lamps. An article in the Innovation Report states that between 1986 and 1996, indoor tanning with UV light showed an increase of 300 percent. UV light does tan the skin but it can also damage the cells and lead to skin cancer.

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  • Photo Credit uv light. image by Harvey Hudson from Fotolia.com

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