tortoiseplanet
Active Member
The UV bulbs used in night clubs for the glowing effect are putting out UVA. They do not put out UVB. EXTENDED exposure to UVA as well as UVB has been linked to cataracts, eye problems, as well as skin damage. UVB is by far the issue, not UVA.
UVC damages and kills cells, not "bioactive" - as it destroys cells quite quickly (a matter of seconds of exposure). Sterilizers emit UVC. And they come with ample warnings about ever looking at a bulb. But reptile and tanning bed lights do not emit UVC. And the glow producing black lights only emit UVA.
The UVB light our tortoise bulbs puts out is indeed the most bioactive wavelengths of UV. That is the only wavelengths that also will promote pre vitamin D formation in the skin. AND.... those are the most dangerous wavelengths. The bulbs in tanning beds are also UVB producers as that is the only bioactive wavelengths. Those wavelengths indeed are linked to cancer, aging, and eye problems.
Most all of the tortoise bulbs loose effectiveness dramatically with distance, unlike sunlight. At 24" most (except the strongest HO 14.0 bulbs) give a reading of less than 1.0. At 36" - 0.1. My strongest HO bulb reads 0.2 at 36"
However, I am very careful of ever looking directly into a UVB bulb at any distance closer than 24" or so. At 12" with an HO bulb, it would be as dangerous as looking directly into the sun.
I personally would always recommend a hood when installing a UVB bulb over a open table enclosure. I would never allow my grandkids to be where they are looking over the edge of an enclosure and within close distance to an unobstructed UVB bulb.
Thanks for including your input. I agree with all you’ve said Mark.