UV LED lights have a much longer lifespan than black fluorescent lights, lasting up to 25,000 hours or more. In comparison, black fluorescent lights usually only last for around 5,000 hours before they fail. An UV or UV lamp usually lasts for 12 months or about 9,000 hours of use. After a year of use, its ability to kill bacteria will slowly decrease and it will no longer be effective in eliminating germs, leaving your family in a vulnerable situation.
If the UV or UV system is used seasonally and then emptied and disconnected, you can use it for another 6 months before having to replace the light with a spare one. There are some high-end UV systems in the Viqua Pro series where the lamp lasts two years in a row, but to be sure, check the manual as most only last one year. Ultraviolet light can cause photokeratitis, or sunburn on the eyes. However, the long wavelengths of UV light emitted by black light are unlikely to cause significant harm with normal routine use.
Some bulbs, such as incandescent bulbs, will emit a significant amount of infrared light with a very small level of UV light. Black lights can also be made with incandescent lights with a black filter to block visible light from the bulb. Excessive exposure to UV light can cause photokeratitis, or sunburn on the eyes. This contrasts with other UV light sources (such as a tanning bed), which have a larger range and include shorter UV light wavelengths. However, because UV light can still damage the eyes, it is advisable to use UV protection when you expect extended exposure to black light.
