So, that warning label was actually on the lamp, which is just some cheap lamp I bought from Wal-Mart or Amazon. The bulb is I got separately I am sure.
pcgeek11, so do you think it is UV light specifically designed for plant growth? I get that UV lights might help plants grow, but don't they get MOST of their energy from regular visible light? Just seems weird to focus solely on UV lights...
Thanks!
See the link above. It is mostly discussing weed but it applies to all plants in general.
A Summary of What Light is Best For Plants?
When it comes to the full UV light spectrum, its best to stick with UV-A and UV-B varieties for your plants. As mentioned, there is no benefit of direct UV-C exposure to yourself or to your crop (although UV-C may help sterilize your grow room). If you are considering using the UV-C technique to disinfect your workspace, consider safer organic alternatives to pest control, including as integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
Depending on the species of plant you intend to grow, there will also be a precise formula for just how much UV light you’ll need, and when you should introduce it. In some cases, UV light over prolonged periods has stunted growth. In other cases, it can enhance valuable characteristics of your crop. For example, for growing cannabis, you’ll only want to introduce UV light during the final few weeks of flower, to boost trichome development, but constant UV lighting for leafy greens tends to stunt their development.
But what about grow lights? Do artificial lights include the UV spectrum, and if so will these artificial lights help your plants grow? Modern metal halide and ceramic metal halide bulbs should all produce a low, but measurable UV spectrum of light, but so do many LEDs. So long as you are investing in modern grow light technology, the UV should be built right in. Importantly, reputable grow lights won't emit any dangerous UV-C wavelengths.
What Safety Precautions Do you Need to Take for UV Lights in the Grow Room?
It goes without saying, you should never look directly into the sun, and you should also never stare straight into a grow light. The sheer intensity can cause irreversible damage to your eyesight, and its the UV spectrum which growers should be especially wary of.
To protect yourself from UV-A and UV-B electromagnetic radiation, invest in a pair of
LED and MH grow room safety glasses, or the
HPS and MH variety. Your eyesight will thank you later. Interestingly, you may see brands advertising UV-C production as a selling point - but this is entirely unnecessary as grow lights never produce measurable levels of UV-C. In fact, even if you protect your eyes from UV-C exposure, you have forgotten about the dangers to your skin and face.
The bottom line on UV light boils down into two recommendations:
Explore the possibilities of UV-A and UV-B for boosting yields and valuable features of your harvest, but understand you'll need to protect your eyes and skin from prolonged exposure.
Avoid using UV-C in the grow room, especially when emitted from a grow light. Exposure to UV-C can damage your skin, eyes, and more, even after only short bursts. Your plants do not need any UV-C to flourish.
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