UVB
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Physics
| Stands for | Ultraviolet B |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
UVB stands for Ultraviolet B, a physics abbreviation.
Middle band of ultraviolet light, 280 to 315 nanometers, mostly absorbed by the ozone layer but responsible for sunburn and much skin cancer. UVB also triggers vitamin D production in the skin, and its intensity peaks around midday in summer and at high altitude.
Example: The SPF 30 rating means the sunscreen filters roughly 97% of UVB rays when applied thickly.
Usage notes
Thinning of the ozone layer increases UVB at the surface, which is why ozone depletion became a public health issue in the 1980s. Window glass blocks most UVB but not UVA. Narrowband UVB lamps near 311 nanometers are used by dermatologists to treat psoriasis and vitiligo.
Related abbreviations
More physics abbreviations
- AFM – Atomic force microscope
- ALARA – As low as reasonably achievable
- ATLAS – A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS
- BEC – Bose-Einstein condensate
- c – Speed of light
- CCD – Charge-coupled device
- CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research
- CMP – Condensed matter physics
- CMS – Compact Muon Solenoid
- COM – Center of mass
- CP – Charge-parity (symmetry)
- ELF – Extremely low frequency