The benefits and harms of a germicidal lamp for humans
The ultraviolet radiation generated by lamps is not only convenient, but also useful. The light produced is used in various areas of life. However, it can be both useful and dangerous, which must be taken into account even at the stage of purchasing equipment.
What is an ultraviolet lamp
A UV lamp is an artificial source of radiation in part of the sunlight spectrum. It consists of an emitter and a flask that provides a uniform distribution of the flow.
UV sources are used in various areas, effectively disinfecting the surrounding area.
Varieties
UV lamps come in different types. Let's look at a few popular ones:
- Quartz. Devices with a flask made of quartz glass, which transmits UV rays, but causes the release of harmful ozone.
- Bactericidal. Modified discharge lamps with mercury vapor inside the bulb. Glass passes the range of UV rays without risk to health.
- Luminescent emitters.They function in much the same way as conventional fluorescent light sources. From the inside, the glass is covered with a phosphor that transmits ultraviolet light.
- Amalgam. A feature of such devices is the presence of bismuth and indium inside the flask, which are mixed with mercury and make it safer for humans. Even in case of accidental breach of the flask, the risk of poisoning is minimized due to the rapid binding of harmful substances.
Radiator type selection depends on installation requirements, operating conditions and user desires.
Quartz lamp vs bactericidal. How to choose?
Useful properties of the lamp
The main useful property of a UV lamp is its active effect on bacteria, microbes and viruses and their complete destruction. The devices effectively purify the air, disinfect objects and surfaces.
The benefits of the rays include the ability to replenish the reserves of vitamin D, which is not always possible to get from the sun. This is especially true for residents of the northern regions.
Separately, it is worth noting the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the human body during the fight against various diseases. Dosed exposure helps to quickly eliminate the cause and restore the body.
What is used for
Modern UV emitters are used in the following areas:
- Water purification. Effective disinfection of water from bacteria and germs before drinking. It is possible both household disinfection of the house, and the organization of treatment stations.
- Club lighting. Safe UV lamps are used to organize unusual lighting effects during parties or discos.
- Tan. Being an artificial substitute for the sun, UV radiation can provide a person with an even and beautiful tan.You can achieve this at home with a compact emitter, but for a quality tan, it is better to go to the solarium.
- The medicine. UV sources can be used to treat runny noses, colds and sore throats. To do this, use devices with special nozzles.
- Checking documents and banknotes. All valuable forms and money have a set of components invisible to the eye, degrees of protection of authenticity. Under UV light, these hidden marks can be seen.
- Growing plants. Emitters are able to provide plants with the necessary ultraviolet light for development. This speeds up growth and makes the growing process stable.
- Manicure. With the help of manicure UV lamps, various gel polishes and shellacs are fixed in salons or at home.
This is not a complete list of applications for UV emitters.
How to use the ultraviolet lamp
Read the instructions carefully before using the UV device. All recommendations should be followed strictly without deviations from the norms.
Particular care must be taken with open-type elements that involve strong irradiation of the surrounding space. It is better to use a system in which the switch is located outside the room to be treated. So you can minimize the impact of ultraviolet radiation on the body.
The processing time of the room will depend on its volume, as well as the specific characteristics of the radiation source used. The indicators are indicated in the instructions.
If a closed-type model is used, then there is no need to worry about undesirable effects on the body. Such designs are designed for rooms with people.All disinfection processes are carried out inside the container, and already purified air comes out.
It will be useful to know: How to use a germicidal lamp.
Contraindications to the use of the lamp
It is recommended to get acquainted with the list of undesirable consequences of using a particular emitter even before purchase. Also, it will not be superfluous to consult a doctor. Often, the ability to tolerate this or that radiation is associated with the individual characteristics of the organism.
Thematic video
It is forbidden to use UV sources in the presence of the following pathologies:
- individual intolerance to ultraviolet;
- tumors of any kind;
- active form of tuberculosis;
- inflammatory processes;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- kidney failure;
- heart disease;
- hypertension.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation in these cases can cause serious complications and complicate general therapy.
What could be the harm
If during the operation of the device a person fully complies with all instructions and recommendations, then there can be no harm from an ultraviolet lamp. This is facilitated by the closed design of some models. When using closed emitters, a person can be in the treated room.
Be sure to watch: Quartz - kills viruses or people?
However, open UV and quartz germicidal lamps are quite hazardous to health. The generated radiation has a negative effect on living tissues, and the specific design involves the gradual transformation of oxygen into harmful ozone. This is bad for health, especially if safety rules are regularly neglected.
When processing premises with such devices, it is important to take care of the complete release of the area from people, animals and plants. If you have to be close to the device, you must wear protective goggles. Upon completion of disinfection, the room must be ventilated.
Recommended reading: Eye burns from ultraviolet light.
