You never want to expose your skin or eyes to the light from a UV system. UV light is non-visible however it can be harmful, similar to the harmful effects of UV light from the sun. UV lamps can actually cause a severe sunburn-like effect if skin is exposed for long periods of time. Always ensure that you are wearing some type of protective glasses (ie. Safety glasses or sunglasses) when working on a UV system and the lamp is exposed.

Prolonged, direct exposure to UV light is harmful to all living organisms, including people. However, the American-Lights? system has been designed with safety in mind. There is minimum exposure to people. This provides for safe operation and maintenance.

All light is given off at different wavelengths. For example if you see a rainbow, you will notice that the colors are always in a specific order from red all the way to blue. You are able to see each color due to their individual wavelength. These wavelengths are part of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. UV light is at a wavelength of 254nm (nanometers), and is not visible to the naked eye.

The primary difference is in size; compact fluorescent bulbs are made in special shapes (which require special technologies) to fit in standard household light sockets, like table lamps and ceiling fixtures. In addition, most compact fluorescent lamps have an "integral" ballast that is built into the light bulb, whereas most fluorescent tubes require a separate ballast independent of the bulb. Both types offer energy-efficient light.

UV light cannot pass through glass. There is no harm to look at the sight-glass to see if the unit is properly operating. The sight-glass is an indicator and there is no need to look through it to see if the lamp is working. Just observe from a short distance.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs may generally be used in enclosed fixtures as long as the enclosed fixture is not recessed. Totally enclosed recessed fixtures (for example, a ceiling can light with a cover over the bulb) create temperatures that are too high to allow the use of a compact fluorescent bulb.

Energy saving light bulb numbers are lower because the bulbs use less electricity. The technology makes the ultimate use of every watt. Although a compact fluorescent light bulb burns about as brightly as an incandescent, it uses much less power, saving you money, and thus has a lower wattage rating.

Generally, the shorter the wavelength, the more biologically damaging UV radiation can be if it reaches the Earth in sufficient quantity. UV-A, although it is the least energetic form of UV radiation, reaches the Earth in greatest quantity. Most UV-A rays pass right through the ozone layer. UV-B radiation is potentially very harmful. Fortunately, most of the sun's UV-B radiation is absorbed by ozone in the stratosphere.

UV does not kill microorganisms like chlorine does, but instead UV inactivates them. UV light at a specific wavelength of 254 nm is readily absorbed by the genetic material of microorganisms. The DNA strand is coded with a specific sequence of something called base pairs. The sequence of these base pairs codes for certain characteristics. UV light at 254 nm is readily absorbed at the point on the microorganism's DNA strand which codes for reproduction.

Sunlight exposure (exposure to UV light) is your body's main source for Vitamin D - an essential vitamin for bone formation and repair, absorption of calcium and phosphorus and general good health. In many climates, the small amount of sunlight available from November to March makes it impossible to process Vitamin D naturally through outdoor sun exposure.

To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). GE makes a dimming compact fluorescent light bulb (called the Energy Smart Dimming Spirals®) that is specially designed for use with dimming switches. We don't recommend using regular compact fluorescent bulbs with dimming switches, since this can shorten bulb life.

GE does make CFL bulbs for use in 3-way lamps. Check the package for this application. If a regular CFL is use in a 3-way switch, it will work on the middle (medium) setting and it should not damage the bulb. The 3-way switch does not alter the performance of the bulb.

Lamp manufacturers generally strive to minimize ultraviolet light (UV) radiation in all lamps used in general lighting applications. The amount of UV produced by standard fluorescent lamps, such as those in your office, home, or school, is not hazardous and does not pose a major health concern. In fact, a paper by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) explores this subject in more detail.

If a light breaks, put on protective gloves and carefully sweep up all of the glass fragments and any powder with a disposable hand broom and dust pan. Place the broken pieces of glass in a rigid food storage container with a snap on lid. Place the disposable hand broom and dustpan in a plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well and then place everything in a five-gallon bucket or container with a lid.

It is essential that you change your UV lamp annually. The ability of the lamp to emit UV light decreases over time. Remember - UV light is invisible! Even though the lamp is still glowing after one year, there might not be enough UV light reaching your water to be effective.

Absolutely. There is a growing body of well-conducted, validated scientific research demonstrating that the production of the activated form of vitamin D is one of the most effective ways the body controls abnormal cell growth. Moderate exposure to sunlight is the only way for the body to manufacture the vitamin D necessary for producing activated vitamin D.