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> Philips TUV 30W G30 T8 light bulbs, which, according to Philip’s website, emit 12 watts of UV-C radiation, mainly used for disinfecting surfaces. 12 watts op
by raxxorraxor 3y ago
> Philips TUV 30W G30 T8 light bulbs, which, according to Philip’s website, emit 12 watts of UV-C radiation, mainly used for disinfecting surfaces.
12 watts optical power is a lot. A lot more powerful than lights you need eye protection for. Even if you don't have symptoms, you shouldn't look at such a light source too often.
It probably also emits UV-A and UV-B light, even when light sources often peak at very specific wavelengths. Still, you would probably also get brown skin from that and even a few hours would be noticable.
- quantified 3y agoWhat was the intended purpose? Blacklights?
- jmopp 3y agoMy first guess would be to help disinfect the air. UV-C light is pretty good at killing bacteria and viruses. Though they evidently didn't realise it can also kill your corneas.
- raxxorraxor 3y agoThat was probably the intent. AFAIK Blacklights usually use UV-A lighting though. It should be said, that UVA-A penetrates much deeper into the skin. You won't get sunburn from it, but it still can be damaging to cells. It was previously thought UV-A would not be damaging, as the skin doesn't seem to be as photosensitive to it compared to UV-B or UV-C radiation, which results in red or brown skin. But newer studies suggest that the danger was underestimated. The cell damage just isn't as visible. I don't believe the usual blacklight you find in a party cellar has the intensity to cause any damage though, but you may want to ask a dermatologist. You really need to be careful with dosage of light in all these wavelengths.