What is UV‑B Ultraviolet
2026-08-05
UV‑B, or medium‑wave erythema‑effect ultraviolet, spans wavelengths from 275 nm to 320 nm. It features moderate penetrating power. Its shorter‑wavelength portion is absorbed by clear glass. Most solar‑generated UV‑B is filtered by the ozone layer, with less than 2% reaching the Earth’s surface. Its intensity peaks during summer and in the afternoon hours.
UV‑B oxidises the skin’s protective epidermal lipid layers and causes skin dryness. Further exposure denatures nucleic acids and proteins inside epidermal cells and induces acute dermatitis, commonly known as sunburn. Affected skin becomes red and tender. Extended heavy exposure raises the risk of skin cancer. Long‑term UV‑B damage may mutate melanocytes and lead to persistent sun spots.
UV‑B is utilised in ultraviolet health lamps and plant‑growth lamps. These lamps are built with special UV‑transmitting glass that blocks light below 254 nm, paired with phosphors peaking near 300 nm.
UV‑B oxidises the skin’s protective epidermal lipid layers and causes skin dryness. Further exposure denatures nucleic acids and proteins inside epidermal cells and induces acute dermatitis, commonly known as sunburn. Affected skin becomes red and tender. Extended heavy exposure raises the risk of skin cancer. Long‑term UV‑B damage may mutate melanocytes and lead to persistent sun spots.
UV‑B is utilised in ultraviolet health lamps and plant‑growth lamps. These lamps are built with special UV‑transmitting glass that blocks light below 254 nm, paired with phosphors peaking near 300 nm.
