One of the more common objects you may use to find things in your house is a flashlight.
Flashlights are handy because they’re portable and can be used for many different purposes, such as looking for burglars or checking for scorpions.
UV flashlights are similar to regular flashlights, but they emit a glow that can help you find things like urine stains or blood.
However, not all UV flashlights are made equally. To understand what are UV flashlights used for, read below.
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What Are UV Flashlights?
UV flashlights are a type of flashlight that emits UV light. They’re also sometimes called black lights.
A UV flashlight comprises a bulb with a particular coating that emits ultraviolet light in the 365 nm to 365,000 nm wavelength range.
What Are UV Flashlights Used for?
A UV flashlight is an extremely versatile tool. You can find them in many hardware stores, and they’re not just for finding fingerprints!
Here are several ways you can make the most out of a UV flashlight:
1. Detects pet urine stains
You can use a UV light to determine if those stains have been properly cleaned. A UV flashlight is excellent for detecting pet urine stains in carpets and upholstery.
It’s also perfect for checking pet beds and other areas where pets may have urinated.
2. Finding scorpions and other creepy crawlies
One of the most common uses for a UV flashlight is detecting scorpions or other creepy crawlies.
These critters are attracted to light, so they often come out at night and can be seen with a UV flashlight.
If you live in a place where scorpions are prevalent, it’s important to keep your eyes peeled late at night when you’re outside.
3. Finding leaks
A UV flashlight can be used to find leaks in your car’s engine because the light will illuminate any leaking fluids.
You can also use it to find leaks from kitchen appliances, toilets, and water pipes in your home.
4. Detecting blood stains and bodily fluids
It’s always important to check for signs of blood and bodily fluids.
The ultraviolet light from a UV flashlight will make these fluids glow, even if they’re old or dried up.
This is great for spot-checking if there are any stains on your carpet, bedsheets, or couch cushions.
5. Shining it on a wall to find out if there are any water leaks or drafts
One of the most popular uses for a UV flashlight is to shine it on a wall to look for water leaks or drafts.
If you turn your UV flashlight on and move it up and down the wall, if you see any kinds of “fog” or “smoke,” that’s a sign of a water leak.
You’ll also be able to see any drafts coming from cracks in your walls, which can be quite harmful to your health.
6. Inspecting artwork for authenticity
Did you know that a UV flashlight is the best way to see if the artwork is authentic or not? A UV light will expose repairs, restorations, and repainting done on the painting.
Using a UV flashlight is a great way to find new clues when solving mysteries.
Many people use them when they want to detect fraud in items like documents, currency, gemstones, and many others.
7. Track down mold and mildew
Mold is a major issue in many parts of the world and can cause significant health problems. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others, but everyone should avoid it.
If you’re having trouble breathing or have been feeling sick lately, there’s a good chance you have some type of mold present in your home–especially if you live near water.
UV flashlights can help find mold in areas you wouldn’t typically look for.
8. Uncovers invisible ink
A UV flashlight can be used to locate invisible ink and stains.
Invisible ink is often used in money and other documents, while an ounce of alcohol or body fluids can cause a stain. There are many ways you can use this tool for these items.
A UV flashlight will help you detect the ink on a document, even if someone has tried to cover it up with other writing. The same goes for stains that have occurred in your home.
If there’s been any foul play, you’ll be able to see the traces left behind by the perpetrator with a UV light.
9. Reveals the markings on animal hides
Many people know that a UV flashlight can detect the markings on animal hides.
Most animals have a protein in their skin called tryptophan, which absorbs light at 260 nanometers.
A UV flashlight will react differently when it shines on an animal hide because of this unique property.
Are UV flashlights dangerous?
UV flashlights are safe to use.
UV light is a type of radiation invisible to the naked eye but is visible if you use a special light.
These lights are often used in law enforcement and forensics to identify bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, urine, etc.
These lights are safe to use because they emit less than one microwatt per centimeter squared of UV light.
This is low enough that it won’t cause any damage to humans or animals.
However, people with photosensitive epilepsy may have seizures from exposure to UV light, so users should consider this before using the product.
How Does a UV Flashlight Work?
UV flashlights work by emitting a glow invisible to the naked eye but can be seen under black & white film.
The light is ultraviolet and has a longer wavelength than what we usually see.
UV flashlights also emit an infrared wavelength. These lights are different than infrared camera flashes that take pictures of people at night.
UV flashlights should not be confused with these types of cameras, as they are two completely different things.
A UV flashlight will emit UV and IR wavelengths to help you find things like urine stains and bloodstains on walls or concrete surfaces, which may not be visible to the naked eye because they don’t absorb much of the light.
Conclusion
A UV flashlight is an innovative tool that can prove to be a lifesaver, as well as a great time saver in many other ways.
It also has various uses that most people don’t know about, so if you have one of these handy devices, you can be more prepared in a lot of scenarios.
For example, if you happen to find yourself inside your house with no light, a UV flashlight will help you see in the dark.
If you need to find your cat in your backyard, the UV flashlight will allow you to do just that.
