What Are the Uses of UV Rays?
Ultraviolet rays naturally come from the sun. UV light consists of three main flavors: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA penetrates our skin and causes skin cells to age prematurely; overexposure to UVA can cause skin cancer. UVB is stronger than UVA; it mainly affects our exposed skin layers, causing sunburn and also skin cancer. UVC is the most dangerous and strongest type, although it never reaches people because of atmosphere blockage. Although all types of UV rays can be dangerous to humans, controlled application and exposure lead to beneficial uses.
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Disinfectant
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A specific type of ultraviolet ray can kill almost any type of known germ, as well as viruses. According to americanairandwater.com, this UV ray is known as the "germicidal ultraviolet." The UV, of 253.7 nanometers wavelength, kills germs, such as bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi and spores. UV rays kill these germs by destroying their DNA structures, making them unable to reproduce.
Vitamin D Absorption
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You can get benefits from UV rays just by walking in the sun; however, limit your time, because overexposure can cause sunburns and skin cancer. UVB rays in small doses are good for triggering skin cells to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps in preventing bone and skeletal complications, such as osteoporosis, and also helps in maintaining regular levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. As to how much exposure you should get, this depends on your skin pigmentation. A "U.S. News & World Report" article released in June 2008 states, "It's difficult to quantify how much since skin pigmentation affects how much radiation your skin absorbs: The darker the skin, the more it's protected against skin cancer but the less able it is to absorb UVB rays."
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Medical Treatments
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Although UV rays can cause skin cancer and sunburn, UV also treats several skin diseases, such as severe psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis. Psoriasis is a skin disease where the skin overproduces cells, resulting in plaque and lesions. Vitiligo occurs when cells producing melanin in the skin are destroyed, creating white patches on a person's body. Lastly, atopic dermatitis is a skin condition where your skin becomes very dry and itchy, with rashes occurring on your hands and feet, as well as the back of your joints and face. Patients with such diseases get regulated exposure to UV light to trigger normal skin production and reactivate cell production.
Cosmetics
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Tanning beds are equipped with lights producing UV rays. These cosmetic devices generally produce UVA rays, combined with a small percentage of UVB rays. Since UVA triggers the skin to age prematurely, the result is tanned skin. Although widely accessible, tanning beds still cause harm to people if used improperly. Overexposure to tanning beds can lead to skin cancer, sunburn and cataracts.
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