The debate between infrared and UV light continues. So, in this post, we discuss the pros and cons of each and which might be best for your lighting needs.
What is infrared and UV light?
Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation are both electromagnetic spectrum rays that originate from the sun. Both types of light waves are invisible to the human eye.
UV waves are shorter than IR waves and have more energy. The majority of the sun’s UV rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but some still reach the earth. UV light is divided into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA rays make up about 95% of the UV radiation reaching the earth. They are less energetic than UVB rays and can pass through clouds and glass. UVA rays cause skin tanning but not burning. They also play a role in skin aging and can contribute to the development of skin cancer.
UVB rays make up about 5% of the UV radiation reaching the earth. They are more energetic than UVA rays and can cause sunburns. They also play a role in skin cancer development.
UVC rays are more energetic than both UVA and UVB rays but they are almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the earth’s surface.
IR waves are longer than UV waves and have less energy. Most IR radiation is absorbed by atmospheric gases, but some still reach the earth’s surface. IR radiation is used in thermal imaging (heat sensing) cameras because it can penetrate fog, smoke, and other obscurants better than visible light.
How do infrared lights and UV lights work?
Infrared and ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths. Infrared light has a longer wavelength than visible light and can be felt as heat. Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength than visible light and is invisible to the human eye.
UV light is used in many applications, such as disinfecting surfaces, curing UV-sensitive materials, and tanning skin. UV light can be harmful to human health, causing sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Infrared light is used in heating applications, such as in infrared saunas and heat lamps. Infrared light can also be used for therapeutic purposes, such as in the treatment of joint pain and muscle spasms.
What are the benefits of using infrared lights?
There are many benefits to using infrared lights, including the following:
- Infrared lights can penetrate deep into the skin, providing a more thorough and effective treatment than other light therapies.
- Infrared light therapy is safe for all skin types and can be used on people of all ages.
- Infrared light therapy is an affordable and convenient treatment option that can be done in the comfort of your own home.
- Infrared light therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
What are the benefits of using UV lights?
UV lights offer a number of benefits for a variety of applications. Here are just a few examples:
- They can be used to disinfect surfaces or water, making them ideal for use in hospitals or food processing facilities.
- They can be used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis or vitiligo.
- They can be used to cure UV-sensitive adhesives or inks, making them essential for many manufacturing processes.
- They can be used to detect fraudulent documents such as counterfeit banknotes.
How do infrared lights and UV lights compare?
UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 10 and 400 nanometers, according to the EPA. This means it’s shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. Infrared light has a longer wavelength than UV light, ranging from 700 nanometers to one millimeter.
Both UV and infrared light are used in a variety of commercial and industrial applications. They’re both utilized in medical treatments, for example. Infrared light is commonly used in physical therapy to treat injuries and chronic pain, while UV light is used to disinfect surfaces and kill bacteria.
When it comes to safety, UV light is more dangerous than infrared light. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. Infrared light is not known to cause any adverse health effects.
Which is better for specific purposes?
There are a few key considerations to weigh when deciding whether to use infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) light for a particular purpose. One important factor is the application’s required wavelength. UV light has shorter wavelengths than IR light, and thus can be used for applications that require very specific wavelength requirements, such as curing UV-sensitive materials.
Another key consideration is safety. UV light can be harmful to human skin and eyes, so it is important to take proper precautions when using it. On the other hand, infrared light is not harmful to humans and can be used safely in many applications.
Finally, the cost is also a consideration when choosing between IR and UV light sources. In general, IR light sources are more expensive than UV light sources. However, this cost difference should be weighed against the other factors mentioned above to determine which type of light source is best for a particular application.
How should you use infrared lights and UV lights?
You may have seen infrared lights and UV lights advertised as being effective against viruses and bacteria, but you may not be sure how to use them.
UV light is ultraviolet light, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation. UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light, so it is invisible to the human eye. UV light can be divided into three subtypes: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVC light has the shortest wavelength and is the most harmful type of UV radiation. It is completely absorbed by DNA and RNA, so it can kill viruses and bacteria by damaging their genetic material. However, UVC light cannot penetrate through human skin or eyes, so it is safe to use around people.
UVB light has a slightly longer wavelength than UVC light, so it does not damage DNA or RNA as easily. However, it can still kill viruses and bacteria by damaging their proteins. Additionally, UVB light can penetrate through human skin, so exposure can lead to skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to wear sunscreen when exposed to UVB light.
UVA light has the longest wavelength of all the subtypes of UV light. It does not damage DNA or RNA, so it cannot kill viruses or bacteria. However, it can penetrate through human skin and eyes, so exposure can lead to wrinkles, age spots, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Additionally, UVA light can trigger melanin production in the skin, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer.
Are there any safety concerns with using infrared lights and UV lights?
As with any type of light therapy or other lighting applications, it is important to use caution when using these devices.
Infrared and ultraviolet light therapy should not be used on open wounds or on skin that is sunburned or otherwise damaged. These types of lights can also aggravate certain medical conditions, such as lupus and porphyria cutanea tarda. If you have any concerns about using these devices, please consult with a healthcare professional before starting treatment.
NEXT UP: What Are Infrared Lights Used For?
