Science glossary film: Ultraviolet light

Electromagnetic radiation in the region of the spectrum between visible light and x-rays, about 10 to 400 nanometers in wavelength. Ultraviolet light is largely blocked by the Earth's atmosphere. Too great an exposure to ultraviolet light causes sunburn, and can cause skin cancer. It does have many useful applications including disinfecting and sterilizing, tracing fluid leaks, security marking, and special-effects lighting.

Ultraviolet light is largely blocked by the Earth's atmosphere. Too great an exposure to ultraviolet light causes sunburn, and can cause skin cancer. It does have many useful applications including disinfecting and sterilizing, tracing fluid leaks, security marking, and special-effects lighting.