Ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Although UV waves are invisible to the human eye, some insects, such as bumblebees, can see them. This is similar to how a dog can hear the sound of a whistle just outside the hearing range of humans. The Sun is a source of the full spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, which is commonly subdivided into UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. These are the classifications most often used in Earth sciences. UV-C rays are the most harmful and are almost completely absorbed by our atmosphere. UV-B rays are the harmful rays that cause sunburn. Exposure to UV-B rays increases the risk of DNA and other cellular damage in living organisms. Fortunately, about 95 percent UV-B rays are absorbed by ozone in the Earth's atmosphere. Bees, along with some birds, reptiles and other insects, can see near-ultraviolet light reflecting off of plants. Bug zappers attract insects with ultraviolet light to lure them to the trap. The false-color composite of the sun reveals different gas temperatures. Reds are relatively cool (about 60,000 Celsius) while blues and greens are hotter (greater than one million Celsius). Ummm, that's really hot! Some dangers of Ultraviolet Waves: For us the biggest danger is SUNBURN. The smaller wavelengths of ultraviolet light can penetrate deep into our skin. Ultraviolet light can burn and blister you skin. The skin dies and you guessed it, peels off. A list of this danger:
The above skin lesions are melanoma, a form of skin cancer. If you see any moles or freckles that look odd, tell someone so you can see a dermatologist! Get to know your freckles, if they start to look creepy, it could be cancer. Many people like to use tanning beds because it helps them fight depression, raises B-12 vitamins in the body and makes you look better than pastie white. Don't be fooled. Tanning beds are beds for disaster. The light inside is all Ultraviolet and deep penetrating light. Too much Ultraviolet light is dangerous! How old do you think this woman is? She is in her middle twenties! She looks like she is forty! Too much UV light damages and ages your skin. Being pastie white is not so bad compared to the consequences. Ultraviolet light can damage your eyes. The light can cause the cornea to cloud over. This is called a cataract. Older people usually get cataracts because their eyes have been exposed to the sun for a longer period of time. BUT, people who are younger are getting cataracts...which is something new for your generation and could be caused with a problem in the ozone layer of the atmosphere that usually protects us from harmful UV light. Wearing protective sunglasses will prevent eye damage due to Ultraviolet light. Controlled uses of Ultraviolet is very helpful to dentists and doctors. Ultraviolet light can kill small organisms and sanitize areas. We don't need to be afraid of Ultraviolet light, but we certainly need to respect it!
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |