What is UV light?

Ultraviolet light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It makes up the 10 per cent of sunlight that’s responsible for tans (and sunburn). It’s also used in chemical processing, skin cancer treatment and disinfecting surfaces. It’s even been suggested that UV light played a key role in the origin of life on Earth. Certain fluorescent substances, like minerals, plants and paint pigments, absorb UV radiation, which they then emit as visible light. As well as making our paints glow, they’re are used to improve visibility in things like road signs and safety vests.