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Waves

Electromagnetic Waves - Ultraviolet.

Ultraviolet waves are often called ultraviolet light or ultraviolet radiation.

Some materials will absorb (take in) the energy from ultraviolet waves
and emit (give out) the energy as visible light.
These materials are called fluorescent and are used for fluorescent lighting
(sometimes called strip lighting) and security marking.

Ultraviolet light from the Sun causes skin to tan.
Sunbeds emit ultraviolet light to give an artificial tan.

Intense ultraviolet light in strong sunlight can damage cells which are
deep inside skin tissue. This type of damage can result in skin cancer.
Darker skin is more resistant to ultraviolet light than lighter skin.
To be safe, avoid strong sunlight or use a skin block (see sunscreens).

Ultraviolet light can be used to start chemical reactions.
Very intense ultraviolet light will kill living cells.

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Copyright © 2008 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.