Before we get too far into what the basic function of a UV bulb is, you’ll need a little bit more background on just what a UV light bulb is. First off, UV is short for ultraviolet, which is a type of shortwave radiation with which you might be familiar because it is commonly encountered in nature. The sun, for example, produces UV radiation, some of which reaches the surface of the Earth.

You might be wondering at this point why you would want to make a light bulb that specifically produced UV light, considering that UV light is the radiation responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. There are some interesting practical applications of UV light bulbs, although care must be exhibited in handling and using them.

There are three types of UV light that are commonly dealt with, and each of them is classified by the wavelength of the radiation emitted. In order from longest to shortest wavelength, these are UVA, UVB, and UVC light, each of which has specific and unique applications.

UVA wavelength is, as stated, the longest wavelength of UV light from which ultraviolet light bulbs are produced. Commercially, UVA lights are known by the more familiar appellation of blacklights or blacklight blue lights. These produce little visible light but sometimes appear to glow blue or purple; these are the lights that are broadly used for attracting insects in bug zapper lights, in suntanning beds, and to make certain fluorescent materials glow in the dark.

Between UVA and UVC lights are UVB lights, which are more properly known as blacklights than UVA lights are. These lights are also occasionally used in suntanning beds and sometimes are sold as specialty lights to help certain animals metabolize calcium and other nutrients.

That leaves only UVC lights, which are probably the most specialized of the bunch. They also have one of the most important functions of all UV bulbs, and that is to serve as a germicidal light. That is also the reason that these lights are known as germicidal UVC lights.

UV germicidal lights are effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause diseases in humans and other animals. This form of shortwave radiation is used to damage their genetic material so that they cannot reproduce, effectively sterilizing them and the surface that they are on. Because of this simple fact, UVC lights are widely used in water sanitation, waste management, food preparation, the medical industry, and other areas wherein contamination and sterility are concerns.

These specialty lights can also be hard to find unless you know precisely where to look and what to look for. It also takes a practiced eye to understand the nuances between the different models. If you’re looking for a collection of UV bulbs and a helpful staff to point you in the right direction, look no farther than Atlanta Light Bulbs. They provide plenty of specialty light bulbs, including UVC lights, their staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and their prices are great. Visit AtlantaLightBulbs.com today or call them at 1-888-988-2852 to get started.