When a germicidal lamp helps against coronavirus
There is now a lot of information on the network that ultraviolet light kills the coronavirus, in connection with this, a lot of speculation has appeared on this topic. Therefore, it is necessary to figure out how effective a bactericidal lamp is against coronavirus and how to properly organize disinfection in order to achieve a result.
Are UV lamps dangerous?
For artificial ultraviolet radiation, quartz and bactericidal lamps are used. They differ in principle work, but to determine harm it is not essential. Although, it should be noted that the first type additionally emits ozone.
Ozone affects microorganisms and inevitably destroys them, as it destroys their DNA.To achieve the ideal effect, the quartz lamp should work for about 8 hours, then we can say with confidence that the room is sterile. Naturally, a person cannot be indoors, since ozone negatively affects his body.
The germicidal lamp does not emit ozone, but it is also impossible to be indoors when using it. This is due to the fact that ultraviolet radiation kills not only harmful microorganisms, but also beneficial human bacteria. But it is worth noting that in order for the equipment to have a negative impact on a person, it must affect the body for a long time.
If a quartz lamp is used, it is best to leave the room immediately. It causes damage to beneficial bacteria much faster, it is better not to linger in the room after turning on the equipment for longer than half a minute.
Doctors proved the negative effect of ultraviolet radiation on coronavirus infection in the spring. As a result of the tests, they found that even a few seconds of exposure to a small dose of ultraviolet radiation will sterilize the virus. That is why in summer, with abundant sun, the incidence dropped sharply and again went up after the onset of a cloudy period.
Therefore, coronavirus and an ultraviolet lamp are incompatible, which can be used with benefit, given a few recommendations:
- You need to turn on the equipment for at least 15 minutes, and if possible, leave it for a longer period, this will increase efficiency.
- For the first time, it is advisable to treat the room for at least 30 minutes to ensure the destruction of pathogens, if any.
- You can’t be in the room, you need to either leave immediately after turning it on, or place a switch in the corridor so as not to even enter.
- The main feature of ultraviolet lamps should be taken into account - they destroy pathogenic microorganisms only on surfaces that they illuminate. If there are cracks, bumps and other places where radiation does not fall, then the causative agent of the disease will remain there.
There are also closed-type lamps, unlike open options, you can stay in the room during their operation without harming your health. But they are less effective and mostly disinfect the air, not the surfaces around.
Video answer: Expert opinion
What helps better from COVID-19 - a quartz lamp or a recirculator
Another common question asked by those who choose room treatment equipment. It should immediately be noted that both options are almost equally effective, the coronavirus is equally afraid of them. They are capable of killing pathogens on all surfaces where radiation enters in 15-20 minutes.
However, the nature of the application is different. A quartz lamp emits ozone, so after using it, it is advisable to ventilate the room for several minutes, which is not always convenient.
Recirculators do not emit ozone, so after turning them off, it is not necessary to ventilate the room.This option is more suitable for the home, as there are many portable models that can be moved from room to room to treat an entire apartment or house.
How UV rays kill viruses
Understanding exactly how ultraviolet light and viruses interact is easy. The essence of the method is that radiation damages the DNA of bacteria, viruses and infections. They are not destroyed, but very quickly lose their ability to reproduce and become sterile, and therefore safe.
Viruses and similar microorganisms are particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet light because they lack membranes and cell walls. Under the action of high-energy photons in short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation, the DNA of pathogens is damaged very quickly, which ensures high efficiency.
Short ultraviolet waves have a range from 100 to 280 nm. It is he who has bactericidal characteristics and does not occur in natural conditions, since this part of the spectrum is completely absorbed by the earth's atmosphere.
You can get short-wave ultraviolet using lamps, which are a flask in which there are UV-C LEDs and mercury vapor.
Does it make sense to decontaminate respirators
If reusable respirators are used, then there is no point in disinfecting them with ultraviolet light. Firstly, when washing, detergents act on the material, which destroy the virus.And after drying, you can iron the surface on both sides to ensure the complete destruction of any viruses.
But if you need to process the N95 type mask, then you can use ultraviolet radiation to decontaminate it. To do this, it is best to place the product at a short distance from the lamp and turn it over after 10-15 minutes to process it from all sides.
There are special sterilization boxes in which there are small lamps specifically for processing small items. You can use them for such purposes.
A slow cooker is also used for disinfection; when exposed to high temperature for 40 minutes, all bacteria are destroyed.
Do I need to quartz products
Many people also place food under the lamp to disinfect them. This does not make much sense, since you need to turn the package over from all sides, which is laborious and difficult. In addition, there is no guarantee that UV will not adversely affect products.
Much Easier and more efficient rinsing of packages with running water, due to this, you can remove almost everything that is on the surface. After that, you need to dry the surface and use the products.
According to doctors, so far there has not been a single confirmed case of covid infection through products. Therefore, in this case, it makes little sense to carry out quartzization from coronavirus.
Thematic video: What devices will help clean the air from viruses
What should not be irradiated
If the lamp is be used for room treatment and prevention, then you should not apply it in a row for all things.For example, if outerwear is irradiated, then the coronavirus dies only on surfaces that are lit, all folds will remain untreated.
This also applies to any other products in which there are many bumps, recesses, etc. It makes no sense to waste energy and time on processing everything, it is much easier to use special sprays.
Overview of prices for popular models for the home.
Conclusion: is it worth buying a lamp
Since the equipment is quite expensive - usually a bactericidal lamp costs from 3000 rubles, it is worth considering whether this equipment is needed or not. This option is best suited for disinfecting rooms, in which case it is effective and allows you to maintain a healthy microclimate. Moreover, it is enough to turn on the device 2-3 times a day for 15-20 minutes.
The lamp is effective against both Covid-19 and other viruses, so it will be useful for those who often get sick during the cold period. And to further increase the effectiveness of disinfection, it is worth ventilating the room several times a day.