MEANING

Ultraviolet (UV) light is an electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from

400 nm to 100 nm, shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays.
Though usually invisible, under some conditions children and young adults
can see ultraviolet down to wavelengths of about 310 nm, and people with
aphakia (missing lens) can also see some UV wavelengths. Near-UV is visible
to a number of insects and birds.
BANDS
UV radiation is divided into three bands: UVA, UVB, and UVC. All three bands
are classified as a probable human carcinogen.
UVA Long-wavelength UVA covers the range 315400 nm. Not significantly
filtered by the atmosphere. Approximately 90% of UV radiation reaching the
Earths surface. UVA is again divided into UVA-I (340 nm - 400 nm) and UVA-II
(315 nm - 340 nm).
UVB Medium-wavelength UVB covers the range 280315 nm. Approximately
10% of UV radiation reaching the Earths surface.
UVC Short-wavelength UVC covers the range 100280 nm. All solar UVC
radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer.
CHARACTERISTICS
UV rays are just beyond visible light at shorter wavelengths than the last
visible ray, which is violet. Ultraviolet rays are part of the electromagnetic
spectrum that can reach a high enough level on earth to be harmful to plants,
animals and humans.