Ultraviolet radiation - Revision history

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2026-07-02T20:55:28Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 20:55, 2 July 2026
(No difference)

energy>Jmdonev at 18:18, 25 June 2026

2026-06-25T18:18:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:18, 25 June 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done ~~2018~~-12-~~10]] [[Category: Rudi grade Ashley edit~~]]		[[Category:Done 2026-07-01]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Ultraviolet radiation''' (UV) is a type of [[radiant energy]], much like the [[light]] we see, but with a smaller [[wavelength]] and higher [[energy]]. It is defined as the light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 40-400 [[meter\|nanometers]].</onlyinclude><ref name=health>Health Physics Society, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/uv.html</ref> This means that it lies between visible light and x-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum as seen in Figure 1.		<onlyinclude>'''Ultraviolet radiation''' (UV) is a type of [[radiant energy]], much like the [[light]] we see, but with a smaller [[wavelength]] and higher [[energy]]. It is defined as the light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 40-400 [[meter\|nanometers]].</onlyinclude><ref name=health>Health Physics Society, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/uv.html</ref> This means that it lies between visible light and x-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum as seen in Figure 1.

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2019-01-04T18:15:22Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 18:15, 4 January 2019
(No difference)

2dev>Jmdonev: /* For Further Reading */

2018-12-17T16:08:00Z

For Further Reading

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:08, 17 December 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-10~~-15~~]]		[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]] [[Category: Rudi grade Ashley edit]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Ultraviolet radiation''' (UV) is a type of [[radiant energy]], much like the [[light]] we see, but with a smaller [[wavelength]] and ~~therefore~~ higher [[energy]]. It is defined as the light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 40-400 [[meter\|nanometers]].</onlyinclude><ref name=health>Health Physics Society, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/uv.html</ref> This means that it lies between visible light and x-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum as seen in Figure 1.		<onlyinclude>'''Ultraviolet radiation''' (UV) is a type of [[radiant energy]], much like the [[light]] we see, but with a smaller [[wavelength]] and higher [[energy]]. It is defined as the light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 40-400 [[meter\|nanometers]].</onlyinclude><ref name=health>Health Physics Society, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/uv.html</ref> This means that it lies between visible light and x-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum as seen in Figure 1.

	[[File:EM spectrumrevised.png\|756x380px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 1. The electromagnetic spectrum. UV lies between x-ray and visible light.<ref>P. Ronan, Gringer. (2013, February 19). ''EM spectrum revised'' [Online]. Available: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/EM_spectrumrevised.png</ref>]]		[[File:EM spectrumrevised.png\|756x380px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 1. The electromagnetic spectrum. UV lies between x-ray and visible light.<ref>P. Ronan, Gringer. (2013, February 19). ''EM spectrum revised'' [Online]. Available: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/EM_spectrumrevised.png</ref>]]

	==Types of UV and their effects==		==Types of UV and their effects==
	There are different sub-categories of UV radiation: Vacuum UV, Far UV, UVC, UVB and UVA. The first three mentioned are almost never encountered on Earth as they are absorbed by the atmosphere~~, however the~~ last two, UVB and UVA are encountered very frequently.		There are different sub-categories of UV radiation: Vacuum UV, Far UV, UVC, UVB, and UVA. The first three mentioned are almost never encountered on Earth as they are absorbed by the atmosphere. The last two, UVB and UVA, are encountered very frequently.

	===UVA===		===UVA===
	UVA radiation ~~is in the range~~ of ~~wavelengths~~ 320-400 nm, ~~therefore~~ it is lower energy than other types of ultraviolet radiation, but can still cause harm to humans. Initial exposure to it gives a pigment-darkening effect to human skin (tanning), but overexposure can cause sunburn, toughening of skin, cataract formation, and other unwanted effects. This is the most commonly encountered UV radiation - accounting for 95% of the UV light hitting Earth - since it penetrates the atmosphere very easily.<ref name=health/><ref>CCOHS, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/ultravioletradiation.html</ref> UVA light is used in tanning booths and phototherapy lamps.		UVA radiation has wavelengths of 320-400 nm, which means it has lower energy than other types of ultraviolet radiation but can still cause harm to humans. Initial exposure to it gives a pigment-darkening effect to human skin (tanning), but overexposure can cause sunburn, toughening of skin, cataract formation, and other unwanted effects. This is the most commonly encountered UV radiation - accounting for 95% of the UV light hitting Earth - since it penetrates the atmosphere very easily.<ref name=health/><ref>CCOHS, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/ultravioletradiation.html</ref> UVA light is used in tanning booths and phototherapy lamps.

	===UVB===		===UVB===
	UVB radiation is the more harmful of the two common UV categories~~, this is~~ because it has enough energy to cause photochemical damage to cellular DNA.<ref name=health/> Both UVA and UVB are necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D, but it is important to be exposed to them in moderation. Overexposure to UVB light causes much of the same symptoms as UVA, but it is also known to be a cause of skin cancer. Most UVB light is blocked by the [[ozone layer]]~~, however due to the~~ known holes in ~~this~~ layer ~~there~~ are ~~concerns that~~ this will lead to an increase in skin cancer.<ref name=health/><ref>NOAA, ''Science: Ozone Basics'' [Online], Available: http://www.ozonelayer.noaa.gov/science/basics.htm</ref>		UVB radiation is the more harmful of the two common UV categories because it has enough energy to cause photochemical damage to cellular DNA.<ref name=health/> Both UVA and UVB are necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D, but it is important to be exposed to them in moderation. Overexposure to UVB light causes much of the same symptoms as UVA, but it is also known to be a cause of skin cancer. Most UVB light is blocked by the [[ozone layer]]. The known holes in the ozone layer are a cause for concern because this will lead to an increase in the chances of contracting skin cancer.<ref name=health/><ref>NOAA, ''Science: Ozone Basics'' [Online], Available: http://www.ozonelayer.noaa.gov/science/basics.htm</ref>

	==Protection against UV==		==Protection against UV==
Line 17:		Line 17:
	[[File:3488882849_d18ccb1b41.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 2. Sunscreen helps prevent overexposure effects of UV radiation and is necessary when in contact with this radiation.<ref>Robert S. Donovan via Flickr [Online], Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/booleansplit/3488882849/</ref>]]		[[File:3488882849_d18ccb1b41.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Figure 2. Sunscreen helps prevent overexposure effects of UV radiation and is necessary when in contact with this radiation.<ref>Robert S. Donovan via Flickr [Online], Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/booleansplit/3488882849/</ref>]]

	UV is invisible to ~~our~~ eyes and the effects on ~~our~~ skin ~~aren't~~ immediate, so the consequences of overexposure can very easily sneak up on someone. However, there are many ways to protect against UV radiation:		UV is invisible to human eyes and the effects on skin are not immediate, so the consequences of overexposure can very easily sneak up on someone. However, there are many ways to protect against UV radiation:

	*'''Eye protection''' is important while working with UV radiation sources which present the potential of harmful eye ~~exposure~~. Sunglasses come with various defenses built in, so it is important to wear these when dealing with UV radiation.		*'''Eye protection''' is important while working with UV radiation sources which present the potential of harmful exposure to the eye. Sunglasses come with various defenses built in, so it is important to wear these when dealing with UV radiation.

	*'''Protective clothing''' is a very simple solution, and can include long pants, hats, and long-sleeved shirts. Some newer, sun-resistant fabrics are more efficient in blocking UV radiation.		*'''Protective clothing''' is a very simple solution and can include long pants, hats, and long-sleeved shirts. Some newer, sun-resistant fabrics are more efficient in blocking UV radiation.

	*'''Sunscreen''' is extremely important when in contact with the sun, and is rated by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF), with higher SPF values corresponding to better protection blocking up to nearly 100% of harmful UV radiation.		*'''Sunscreen''' is extremely important when in contact with the sun, and is rated by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF), with higher SPF values corresponding to better protection blocking up to nearly 100% of harmful UV radiation.

	There exists a "UV index" included in most weather forecasts which help people to prepare for the harmful rays. Environment Canada has a useful table for understanding the UV index, available [http://www.ec.gc.ca/uv/default.asp?lang=En&n=DCF1C20A-1 here].		There exists a "UV index" included in most weather forecasts which help people to prepare for the harmful rays. Environment Canada has a useful table for understanding the UV index, available [http://www.ec.gc.ca/uv/default.asp?lang=En&n=DCF1C20A-1 here].

			==For Further Reading==
			*[[Radiation]]
			*[[Electromagnetic radiation]]
			*[[Sun]]
			*[[Wavelength]]
			*[[Energy]]
			*Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-11-13T01:47:37Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 01:47, 13 November 2015
(No difference)

Jmdonev at 19:58, 8 November 2015

2015-11-08T19:58:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 8 November 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done 2015-06-11]]		[[Category:Done 2015-10-15]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Ultraviolet radiation''' (UV) is a type of [[radiant energy]], much like the [[light]] we see, but with a smaller [[wavelength]] and therefore higher [[energy]]. It is defined as the light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 40-400 [[meter\|nanometers]].</onlyinclude><ref name=health>Health Physics Society, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/uv.html</ref> This means that it lies between visible light and x-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum as seen in Figure 1.		<onlyinclude>'''Ultraviolet radiation''' (UV) is a type of [[radiant energy]], much like the [[light]] we see, but with a smaller [[wavelength]] and therefore higher [[energy]]. It is defined as the light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 40-400 [[meter\|nanometers]].</onlyinclude><ref name=health>Health Physics Society, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/uv.html</ref> This means that it lies between visible light and x-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum as seen in Figure 1.

	[[File:EM spectrumrevised.png\|756x380px\|~~framed~~\|center\|Figure 1. The electromagnetic spectrum. UV lies between x-ray and visible light.<ref>P. Ronan, Gringer. (2013, February 19). ''EM spectrum revised'' [Online]. Available: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/EM_spectrumrevised.png</ref>]]		[[File:EM spectrumrevised.png\|756x380px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 1. The electromagnetic spectrum. UV lies between x-ray and visible light.<ref>P. Ronan, Gringer. (2013, February 19). ''EM spectrum revised'' [Online]. Available: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/EM_spectrumrevised.png</ref>]]

	==Types of UV and their effects==		==Types of UV and their effects==

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:46Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:31, 26 August 2015
(No difference)

J.williams at 17:00, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T17:00:24Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-06-11]]
<onlyinclude>'''Ultraviolet radiation''' (UV) is a type of [[radiant energy]], much like the [[light]] we see, but with a smaller [[wavelength]] and therefore higher [[energy]]. It is defined as the light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 40-400 [[meter|nanometers]].</onlyinclude><ref name=health>Health Physics Society, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/uv.html</ref> This means that it lies between visible light and x-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum as seen in Figure 1.

[[File:EM spectrumrevised.png|756x380px|framed|center|Figure 1. The electromagnetic spectrum. UV lies between x-ray and visible light.<ref>P. Ronan, Gringer. (2013, February 19). ''EM spectrum revised'' [Online]. Available: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/EM_spectrumrevised.png</ref>]]

==Types of UV and their effects==
There are different sub-categories of UV radiation: Vacuum UV, Far UV, UVC, UVB and UVA. The first three mentioned are almost never encountered on Earth as they are absorbed by the atmosphere, however the last two, UVB and UVA are encountered very frequently.

===UVA===
UVA radiation is in the range of wavelengths 320-400 nm, therefore it is lower energy than other types of ultraviolet radiation, but can still cause harm to humans. Initial exposure to it gives a pigment-darkening effect to human skin (tanning), but overexposure can cause sunburn, toughening of skin, cataract formation, and other unwanted effects. This is the most commonly encountered UV radiation - accounting for 95% of the UV light hitting Earth - since it penetrates the atmosphere very easily.<ref name=health/><ref>CCOHS, ''Ultraviolet Radiation'' [Online], Available: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/ultravioletradiation.html</ref> UVA light is used in tanning booths and phototherapy lamps.

===UVB===
UVB radiation is the more harmful of the two common UV categories, this is because it has enough energy to cause photochemical damage to cellular DNA.<ref name=health/> Both UVA and UVB are necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D, but it is important to be exposed to them in moderation. Overexposure to UVB light causes much of the same symptoms as UVA, but it is also known to be a cause of skin cancer. Most UVB light is blocked by the [[ozone layer]], however due to the known holes in this layer there are concerns that this will lead to an increase in skin cancer.<ref name=health/><ref>NOAA, ''Science: Ozone Basics'' [Online], Available: http://www.ozonelayer.noaa.gov/science/basics.htm</ref>

==Protection against UV==

[[File:3488882849_d18ccb1b41.jpg|300px|thumb|Figure 2. Sunscreen helps prevent overexposure effects of UV radiation and is necessary when in contact with this radiation.<ref>Robert S. Donovan via Flickr [Online], Available: https://www.flickr.com/photos/booleansplit/3488882849/</ref>]]

UV is invisible to our eyes and the effects on our skin aren't immediate, so the consequences of overexposure can very easily sneak up on someone. However, there are many ways to protect against UV radiation:

*'''Eye protection''' is important while working with UV radiation sources which present the potential of harmful eye exposure. Sunglasses come with various defenses built in, so it is important to wear these when dealing with UV radiation.

*'''Protective clothing''' is a very simple solution, and can include long pants, hats, and long-sleeved shirts. Some newer, sun-resistant fabrics are more efficient in blocking UV radiation.

*'''Sunscreen''' is extremely important when in contact with the sun, and is rated by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF), with higher SPF values corresponding to better protection blocking up to nearly 100% of harmful UV radiation.

There exists a "UV index" included in most weather forecasts which help people to prepare for the harmful rays. Environment Canada has a useful table for understanding the UV index, available [http://www.ec.gc.ca/uv/default.asp?lang=En&n=DCF1C20A-1 here].

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]