| Blacklights are employed in theaters and stages around the world to highlight performers and create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. The commercial blacklights used in these music shows are often composed of expensive blue glass, designed to highlight and focus the fluorescent UV radiation. Blacklights are also used in industrial capacities to attract bugs, search for phosphorus rich minerals, and decontaminate areas of bacteria. Remember that visible light occupies only a small section of the full electromagnetic spectrum. Ultraviolet light, such as is used in blacklights, contains light of very long wavelengths. Typical UV light measures in at around 350 nm in wavelength. Although UV light is invisible to the naked eye, it can cause irreparable damage to the skin and deteriorate immune functioning. Indeed, if you stand in contact with a concert grade UV black light for even a few minutes, you could soak up as many UV rays as you would get by sunbathing in the desert for a whole day without sunscreen. That being said, when used sparingly and in the proper context, blacklights can really charge a crowd, lend a rock band an aura of invincibility, and work in concert with other FX to create a truly spectacular performance. Blacklights and concert lights in general can be fire hazards if not properly wired. Witness the 2000 Great White Rhode Island nightclub fire, which killed more than 100 concertgoers. Although an investigation revealed that improperly ignited fireworks caused this fire, blacklight-induced fires can start easily, so always abide by fire marshal regulations when setting up your concert space. |
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