Most people think of natural sunlight whenever ultraviolet light is mentioned. However, UV radiation has many applications; it makes life healthier, safer, and more comfortable.
What Is UV Radiation?
Electromagnetic waves in the spectrum 100 to 400nm make up ultraviolet radiation, which is invisible. Due to its intensity, UV radiation is suitable for disinfecting and cleaning surfaces and reducing pollutants in air and water. Frequently, UV radiation has been an eco-friendly alternative to chemical solutions. In addition, energy-rich UV light is helpful in surface treatment and processing.
Benefits of UV Radiation
Although overexposure to UV radiation can have adverse effects, moderate exposure has several benefits. UV radiation has three main health benefits, including vitamin D production, mood improvement, and increased energy.
Vitamin D Production
UV radiation is a good source of vitamin D at moderate levels. Vitamin D helps in regulating calcium metabolism. Insulin secretion, blood pressure, immunity, and cell propagation. Studies show that high levels of Vitamin D can lower heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In addition, it tends to lower blood pressure
Skin Conditions
UV radiation helps treat certain skin conditions. Modern phototherapy makes treatment of eczema, dermatitis, rickets, and jaundice possible. It is also helpful in treating atopic and localized scleroderma, psoriasis, and vitiligo.
Cardiovascular Problems and Hypertension
Research shows that UVB exposure can lower blood pressure in patients with a vitamin D deficiency and high blood pressure. Other medical studies show that UV radiation offers immense health benefits independent of vitamin D.
Serotonin
Vitamin D promotes the creation of serotonin. The level of the body’s exposure to UV radiation directly influences the production of serotonin. Changes in serotonin levels can affect mood and behavior. Although the exact effects of serotonin on the human body are not known, serotonin can provide sensations of serenity, well-being, and happiness.
Melanin
Melanin, otherwise known as suntan, is the brown pigment on the human body. Moderate UV exposure can increase melanin levels. Melanin can absorb UVA and UVB radiation and dissipate it as heat, protecting the body from direct and indirect DNA damage.
Applications
Several applications harness UV radiation properties to provide numerous benefits to human health and well-being. A significant application of UV waves is the ability to kill microbes and remove contaminants.
UVC radiation is also helpful in the treatment of wastewater and municipal drinking water. Springwater bottlers also use UV radiation in sterilizing their product. In addition, UVC radiation is utilized in the food processing industry for killing microorganisms. For instance, UVC pasteurizes fruit juices as they pass through their source.
Ultraviolet Water Purification
UV rays in water purification are effective for disinfecting bacteria from water. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate harmful pathogens in a home’s water supply to attack the genetic core (DNA) of illness-causing microorganisms, destroying them; this can also eliminate their ability to reproduce. Using UV light in disinfecting your water is environmentally safe, effective, and exceptionally simple. Without adding chemicals like chlorine, UV systems can destroy 99.99% of harmful microorganisms without leaving any toxic byproducts. Therefore, UV systems do not change your water’s taste or odor. Also, the system is energy efficient; it only requires the same power as a 60-watt light bulb.
It is important to note that UV radiation is not enough to purify drinking water because UV radiation can only treat bacteria and viruses effectively. UV light cannot eliminate contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Therefore, it is best to pair with a Reverse Osmosis System for complete purification and safe drinking water.
Waterdrop N1 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Waterdrop N1 countertop reverse osmosis filtration system uses a UV light in killing bacteria and viruses hourly. The system has a 0.0001-micron RO membrane for eliminating harmful impurities like chlorine, antimony, arsenic, chemicals, and much more in water. The system also has an integrated smart display screen that allows homeowners to closely monitor the overall water quality. The system also reduces water consumption rates because of its impressive 3:1 drain ratio and drain water recycling technology. In addition, there’s a CF and MRO filter that can last 6 and 18 months, respectively. You can easily install this system by setting it near an electrical socket to access pure water anywhere.
NU Aqua Platinum Series UV and Alkaline Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
With its rigorous development and testing, The NU Aqua Platinum Series is certified to provide consistently great tasting, clean, and healthy water. With its professional-grade high-quality connect fittings, the system has an elegant NSF 100% lead-free designer faucet that keeps your countertop looking great. There is also a double O-ring sealed filter housing that provides a guaranteed leak-free experience. There’s no need to worry if the water source provides little to no water pressure; these systems have a heavy-duty booster pump that can optimize water pressure levels. The system also comes with a premium 5-stage alkaline filter that can increase natural minerals like calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, and selenium. Apart from the added minerals, the system oxygenates the water and adds antioxidants to give you healthy, mineral-balanced, alkaline drinking water.
Bluonics Ultraviolet Light Purifier for Under Sink Filtration System
The purifier system is eco-friendly and chemical-free. There is no chlorine present, neither does it change water taste, odor, or color. Furthermore, the system does not impact pH levels; it does not alter water acidity or alkalinity. The purifier system is suitable for use in homes, offices, RV, boats, and mobile homes. There is a powerful 4-stage water filtration system present. In addition, the system has a UV light that treats hundreds of water contaminants effectively to give sparkling clean, and great tasting water. There is no chlorine, no change of taste, color, or odor present. Additionally, the system does not change the acidity and alkalinity levels in the water.
Conclusively,
UV radiation has numerous benefits for humans, including killing bacteria and viruses in water. Nevertheless, UV radiation needs to be combined with a reverse osmosis system for the safest drinking water.