Hey,

The UV-C light is the most dangerous, being used in products with germ-killing capabilities.

According to this article, the UV spectrum is like so:

• 100-280nm - UVC(Short Wave, Germicidal)
• 280-320nm - UVB(Medium Wave)
• 320-400nm - UVA(Long Wave, Black Light)
• 400-450 - Violet, Visible light
• Visible light spectrum is between 400-700.
  

The smaller the value, the bigger the danger and implications on health. That's why you'll find UV-C light in things like air purifiers or toothbrush sanitizers, meant to kill germs.

On the other hand, a nail lamp comes packed with a UVA lamp, closer to the visible light, since it does the job of drying your nails safely, without affecting your health.

Answering to your question, your UV lamp ain't going to kill any germs. One funny thing you could use it for is detecting invisible spots like pet urine :)

Thanks!

UV light is electromagnetic radiation, governed by the Planck equation:

E = hf

where E is the energy of the radiation, h is Planck's constant and f is the frequency of the radiation. The higher the frequency (and lower the wavelength), the higher the energy. High energy radiation is what kills bacteria (and cancer cells). Chemical reaction catalysis ("hardening") can be achieved with much lower (and safer) energy radiation.

"One funny thing you could use it for is detecting invisible spots like pet urine :)"

And dandruf in someone's hair! ;)

I have always been skeptical of the UV lights in HVAC systems. What germs are you attempting to kill and why are they living in your system?

UV C (shortest wavelength = high energy) will kill bacteria, viruses. It can also permanently damage the retina. UV C is dangerous and equipment will have safety interlocks or filters, etc. to prevent human exposure.

UV B (medium wavelength = medium energy) will cause sunburn. Not good to be exposed to, but we do it every summer anyhow.

UV A (longest wavelength = low energy) will not harm human tissue. Only UV A is used to perform non-destructive testing in industry (mag particle inspection, dye/liquid penetrant inspection, etc.).

If you can see the light in nail polish dryers, it will not be UV C.

UVA: Longer wavelength, between 320~400 nanometers;

UVB: The wavelength is in the middle, the wavelength is between 280~320 nanometers;

UVC: The wavelength is between 100~280 nanometers.

Only UVC can be used for sterilization