Ultraviolet
(UV) radiation is electromagnetic energy with a wavelength just shorter
than that of visible light. UV energy stimulates vitamin D production
in our bodies and is a treatment for psoriasis, but can also cause skin
cancer, sunburns and cataracts. This page will help to identify:
Sources of UV Radiation in Labs
Germicidal lamps emit radiation almost exclusively in the far-UV range of 254 nm. They are commonly used in biological safety cabinets and are not to be relied on as the only method of decontamination.
The UV light box is another UV source in use in
laboratories. This instrument is a box with a glass top and a UV lamp
inside. Some units have multiple lamps that allow a choice of
wavelength.
Most of these instruments are stationary, but a few are hand-held
types that carry the same hazards as the stationary models. Nucleic
acid (DNA or RNA) which has been stained with the chemical Ethidium
Bromide, lights up when exposed to UV light.
The Journal of Chemical Health & Safety published an assessment of UV exposure from transilluminator light boxes that explains hazards, controls and some common mistakes.
A UV-Crosslinker is used to "cross-link" or covalently
attach nucleic acid to a surface or membrane following Southern
blotting, Northern blotting, dot blotting, and Colony/Plaque lifts.
Since the DNA will be used in place, a 254 nm wavelength is used to
maximize adherence.