Blog - UV Light Technology

Examples of over exposure to UV light

Photoshoot gone wrong A photographic model suffered severe UV light induced erythema and keratopathy (an eye condition) following a photo shoot under UV-A blacklight. The person concerned initially complained of sore eyes and a red face during the day and this steadily worsened overnight, resulting in blistering to the face, neck and eyes, with associated severe pain. It was a result of inappropriate UV equipment selection for the application. The right UV wavelengths were chosen, however, the …

Comparison of performance and safety of four different UV light tubes

Time and time again we’ve seen organisations run in to trouble from fitting the wrong tubes in to their UV light equipment. This is often a result of purchasing looking to source cheaper alternative tubes or a lack of knowledge when it comes to UV light. For example, we’ve seen huge mistakes been made with companies using the incorrect UV-A tubes for inspection (either the wrong wavelength or insufficient irradiance levels), leading to parts passing …

UV-C dose required to kill microorganisms

Below is a list of microorganisms and the UV-C dose at 254 nm (displayed in J/m2) required to achieve a 90% (1 log reduction). UV dose (J/m2) = UV irradiance (W/m2) x exposure time (seconds) If you know the UV irradiance value then you can use our online UV dose calculator to determine the UV dose applied, which varies with time. In order to calculate further log reductions, you could – as a guide – multiply …

Comparison of UV light exposure limit values with natural sunlight

A useful perspective is achieved by comparing the UV light exposure limit values with examples of natural outdoor UV light exposure. Comparison of the UV-A light radiant exposure limit value (HUV-A max) of 10,000 J/m2 for the unprotected eyes with natural sunlight The Public Health England (PHE) continuously monitor solar UV light levels at six sites in the UK. These are located approximately every 2o of latitude from 50oN to 60oN. Information from these sites …

The importance of UV light measurement for process monitoring

UV processes usually rely on a minimum UV light irradiance level or dose to achieve the desired outcome. Each application and process will vary, but it’s essential that the minimum levels are met to ensure the process runs smoothly. Tips for UV measurement Use a UV light meter with a similar spectral response to the UV light source output Check units of measurement and apply conversions where necessary Take measurements at the same distance or …

What are the adverse health effects from overexposure to artificial UV light?

The depth of penetration of UV light into human body tissue is low, therefore biological effects are mainly confined to the unprotected skin and eyes. Systemic effects may also occur. The biological effects can be broadly divided into acute effects which are rapidly occurring and chronic effects which occur as a result of prolonged and repeated exposures over a long time. It is well established and generally agreed, that low-level exposure to certain wavelengths of …

What are the Exposure Limit Values (ELVs) for UV light?

The level of risk for adverse health effects to the skin and eyes from exposure to UV light is determined by the UV light wavelengths present, UV light irradiance values and personal exposure time. This necessitates the strict implementation of exposure limit values, which take into account the effectiveness of different UV light wavelengths in eliciting biological effects, in order to protect against overexposure to UV light in the workplace. The UV light exposure limit …

What is UV light?

UV light (ultraviolet light), also referred to as ultraviolet radiation and UV radiation is invisible to the human eye. It occurs naturally in sunlight and is produced artificially, normally by either heating a body to an incandescent temperature or by excitation of a gas discharge. UV light is electromagnetic radiation and is transmitted in the form of waves, which can be described by their wavelength. Wavelength is the length of one complete wave cycle. UV …

‘Safety First with UV Light’ for industrial, medical and scientific applications

When ultraviolet light is mentioned many people immediately think of either sunbeds, counterfeit money detectors, insect traps or fish pond disinfection units. However UV light is all around us, not just occurring naturally from sunlight, but supplied by companies such as UV Light Technology Limited, which through high-tech industrial, medical and scientific applications make our daily lives more comfortable, healthier and secure. Some examples include: UV blacklight fluorescent inspection processes make working life easier for quality …

UV blacklight fluorescent inspection processes improve quality control

Today, industry has a great than ever need for continuous development and implementation of good quality control procedures. The importance of quality and reliability, whatever the product, is paramount. Rejects cost time, money and have the potential to damage long term customer relationships. Therefore quality checks must be right first time, every time. UV light fluorescent inspection processes are finding rapidly increasing use and acceptance across many different industries, resulting in dramatically improved quality control. …