| Ultraviolet light, commonly called "black light" has long | | | | be revealed under black light. US currency, travelers |
| been used in health care, industrial production, crime | | | | checks and other sensitive documents are also now |
| scene investigation and the world of antiques and | | | | specifically created to be authenticated by viewing |
| collecting. But the price of high quality blacklights | | | | under blacklight. |
| capable of detecting fakes and counterfeits, | | | | Be sure to read, understand and follow all the |
| destroying bacteria, locating mold and mildew and | | | | instructions that come with any black light you |
| identifying gemstones put scientific level black lights | | | | purchase. Although generally very safe to use and |
| beyond the reach and use of the average person. | | | | operate, UV shielding goggles are required to operate |
| Now, though, with brighter light emitting diodes (LED) | | | | short wave blacklights. And be sure to buy the right |
| and improved power sources, there has never been | | | | light for the job. Don't use a 6" black light to examine |
| a wider choice of high quality, affordable blacklights | | | | a 36" by 48" oil painting. Use short wave lights for |
| every household and business can afford. | | | | killing germs, not long wave. |
| Remembering your eighth-grade science lessons is | | | | And finally, keep in mind that counterfeiters, forgers |
| helpful, but certainly not necessary in operating a | | | | and scoundrels are always workings on ways to |
| blacklight. The basic principle that makes blacklight | | | | avoid blacklight detection. Never rely on black light as |
| useful is that many inanimate materials and organisms | | | | your only single test of authenticity, but use blacklight |
| appear differently in blacklight than they do under | | | | as one of a series of tests. Consider all the facts. |
| ordinary room, or white, light. Similarly, a disturbance | | | | Do you have a special use for a blacklight that you |
| to an original surface such as an ID card, a repair to | | | | would like to share with everyone then please |
| antique pottery or a damaged apartment wall will also | | | | contact the author. |