Home Improvement

There is a growing popularity in the use of ultraviolet lights to clean the air in our homes, like using germicidal ultraviolet lights. These are commonly purchased especially by those who suffer allergic reactions from dust and some other bacteria in the air. But looking around, we can see constant reminders that we actually need protection from UV rays. In buying sunglasses for example, there is always that small sticker that says "approved UV protection". During exposure to extreme sunlight we are supposed to wear sunscreens as UV rays can damage our skin. So what is it really? IS UV light good or bad for us?

Bad Effects Of UV Lights

Skin is always the most affected area when it comes to UV damages. "Erythmea" is one of the most common effects of being too much exposed to UV. This is commonly known to us as sunburn. It occurs when the skin is damaged by absorbing energy from UV rays. Human skin has a natural ability to fight this by sending some extra amount of blood to the damaged skin in an attempt to repair it. This is the reason why sunburned skin appears to have redness on it. People with dark skin have higher level of melanin as compared to fair-skinned ones. Because of this, they are less prone to sunburns.

Photo-aging is another known effect of UV rays on the skin. Studies have shown that many of the common symptoms associated with aging like wrinkles and loosening of the skin may be related to UV exposure and not just merely the aging process.

The most dreaded effect of UV light exposure is skin cancer also known as Melanoma. This appears to be moles in our body which we would think to be normal and of no worries at all. It is best treated if spotted early. To know if a mole is dangerous: Check for asymmetry, the mole's other half should look exactly like the other. Edges of the mole should be smooth with irregularities. The color should also be even and, it should not be larger than one centimeter.

Good Uv Rays
OK, enough of those negative effects. Studies have also shown that ultraviolet rays can also be of help to humans. Here are the facts:
- UVB type of UV light is a good source of Vitamin D for our body who received no UV.
- UV light can lower down blood pressure.
- It can lower down LDL which is also known as bad cholesterol.
- In the medical field, UV rays are being used to treat psoriasis.
- Can be used in air purification by UVGI or Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation

The key here is moderate exposure. There is goodness in the nature of UV rays but too much of it can already harm the human body. As germicidal ultraviolet light produces a safe amount of ultraviolet light through the technology of UVGI, then it is safe for us to use.