Spend enough time reading up on the different types of light bulbs out there and you will come across ultraviolet light bulbs at some point or other. Whether your interest is practical or academic, the first time you ever come across them will be eye-opening.

That is because, among other things, these types of light bulbs are not used for illumination, in the classical sense. In fact, some of them are actually dangerous to be around and precautions must be taken if you are going to be exposed to them.

There are three broad classes of ultraviolet light bulbs, and these specialty bulbs play a specific role in their given spheres of influence. First, we’ll take a look at the first two types, which are decidedly different from the third and final type.

First are UVA and UVB bulbs, which are somewhat different from UVC lights because they are not used for the same purposes. The first type, which is typically produced in the form of a UVA emitting bulb, is called a blacklight blue bulb, which is sometimes incorrectly called a blacklight.

These are the lights that you may have come across at clubs and parties; the lights that make everything white shine with a weird purple radiance. Blacklight blue bulbs, though they don’t give off much visible light, are used because of the whimsical effects they produce.

Then there are UVB bulbs, another type of UV light bulb that is slightly different from UVA bulbs. These are most frequently called blacklights, and they are not the same as blacklight blue bulbs. These are the bulbs that you are going to commonly come across in bug zappers and bug lamps. They are the bulbs that are used to attract nuisance insects. One thing to keep in mind - just because it is a UVB light does not automatically make it a blacklight. There is some overlap on the ultraviolet spectrum, so make sure you work with a professional if you have questions.

Finally, there are UV C lights, which, though not as frequently encountered as some blacklights, have a lot of utility. These are also known as germicidal lights or germicidal UV lamps because they are used for sanitation. These types of lights are useful in sterilizing and killing viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Although UVC light is not visible to the human eye, and you should not be exposed to it under any circumstances, it is very useful because this radiation sterilizes bacteria and viruses. This makes these types of ultraviolet light bulbs useful for sanitizing medical equipment, food preparation surfaces, water purification, and many other uses. When used properly, UV C light can be used to safely and effectively rid a surface of almost all biological contaminants.

There are risks associated with them, and you should never be exposed to one, so if you’re looking for more information in these interesting types of light bulbs, get in touch with the experts at Atlanta Light Bulbs. Visit their website, AtlantaLightBulbs.com, or give them a call today at 1-888-988-2852 to learn more.