Electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength than visible light but of longer wavelenght
than x-rays, i.e. ranging from approximately 400 nm to 100 nm.
The most common source of ultraviolet radiation is the sun, but it can also be
produced artificially by UV lamps.
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 315–400 nm. Not
significantly filtered by the atmosphere. Approximately 90% of UV radiation
reaching the Earth’s 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 280–315 nm.
Approximately 10% of UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.
UVC – Short-wavelength UVC covers the range 100–280 nm. All solar UVC
radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer.