Ultraviolet light. What is Ultraviolet Light: UV Radiation. Effects on human health
UV lamps used in decoration
In addition to the usual wall painting, we also perform work with fluorescent paints. Such paints glow under ultraviolet lamps (black light lamps), which creates a rather unusual atmosphere. Our clients are often interested in the health safety of these lamps.
Let's try to understand this issue.
Ultraviolet radiation (ultraviolet rays, UV radiation) is electromagnetic radiation that occupies the spectral range between visible and X-ray radiation. UV wavelengths range from 10 to 400 nm.
There are several types of UV radiation, which differ in their effect on humans:
- Ultraviolet A, long-wave - 400-315 nm
- Ultraviolet B, medium wave - 315-280 nm
- Ultraviolet C, shortwave - 280-100 nm
The shorter the wavelength, the more energy the radiation has and the deeper it penetrates through the tissues of the body - this is the most dangerous type of radiation for us, and type A radiation is less dangerous.
Our Sun is a natural source of ultraviolet radiation. It emits in all ranges, but thanks to the atmosphere of our planet, and in particular the ozone layer, only type A radiation and a small part of type B radiation reach us. It is solar ultraviolet that causes sunburn on our body and contributes to the production of vitamin D.
There are different types of UV lamps:
- UV lamps (black light lamps, black lights) used in decoration, as well as lamps used in currency detectors, give only type A radiation with a wavelength of around 370 nm. This is a fairly safe light and being under such a lamp is less harmful to the skin and eyes than being under the sun in clear weather. And with a lack of sunlight, for example, in winter, it is even useful to be under such a lamp, since it contributes to the production of vitamin D and some hormones that increase mood. Although it is also not worth abusing it. Also, do not take a long look at the lamp itself from close range.
- UV lamps used in tanning salons emit radiation of types A and B, close to the solar ultraviolet, and due to their power and quantity, stay in a tanning salon is limited to a few minutes with mandatory eye protection with special glasses.
- There are also quartz and bactericidal lamps used in medicine for disinfecting premises. Bactericidal lamps - radiation type B, quartz - hard radiation type C. You should never be under such lamps even for a short time.
When looking at a black light lamp, we see only a faint purple glow, although for insects such lamps glow very brightly. This is explained by the fact that our eyes, unlike the eyes of insects, have a filter that does not allow type A UV radiation to enter the retina. It serves to protect the eyes, since without this filter our vision would have deteriorated by the age of 20.
So let's summarize:
Black light UV lamps used in decoration are quite safe. You can safely spend under such a lamp for several hours a day. In winter, with a short sunny day, turning on the UV lamp for 30-60 minutes a day (depending on the lamp power) is even beneficial to health. Lamps are both fluorescent and LED. Lamp power is selected at the rate of 1-2 watts per square meter.
In 1801 I. Ritter (Germany) and W. Walstone (England) using a photographic plate proved the presence of ultraviolet rays. Beyond the violet end of the spectrum, it turns black faster than under the influence of visible rays. Since the blackening of the plate occurs as a result of a photochemical reaction, scientists have come to the conclusion that ultraviolet rays are very active.
Ultraviolet rays cover a wide range of radiation: 400 ... 20 nm. The radiation region 180 ... 127 nm is called vacuum. By means of artificial sources (mercury-quartz, hydrogen and arc lamps), giving both a linear and a continuous spectrum, ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of up to 180 nm are obtained. In 1914, Lyman explored the range up to 50 nm.
The researchers discovered the fact that the spectrum of the sun's ultraviolet rays reaching the earth's surface is very narrow - 400 ... 290 nm. Doesn't the sun emit light with wavelengths shorter than 290 nm?
The answer to this question was found by A. Cornu (France). He found that ozone absorbs ultraviolet rays shorter than 295 nm, after which he put forward the assumption: the Sun emits short-wave ultraviolet radiation, under its action oxygen molecules break down into individual atoms, forming ozone molecules, therefore, in the upper atmosphere, ozone should cover the earth with a protective shield. Cornu's hypothesis was confirmed when people ascended to the upper atmosphere. Thus, under terrestrial conditions, the sun's spectrum is limited by the transmission of the ozone layer.
The amount of ultraviolet rays reaching the earth's surface depends on the height of the sun above the horizon. During the period of normal illumination, the illumination changes by 20%, while the amount of ultraviolet rays reaching the earth's surface is reduced by 20 times.
Special experiments have established that when climbing upwards, for every 100 m, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation increases by 3 ... 4%. The share of scattered ultraviolet radiation in the summer noon accounts for 45 ... 70% of the radiation, and reaching the earth's surface - 30 ... 55%. On cloudy days, when the sun's disk is covered with clouds, the Earth's surface is mainly reached by diffuse radiation. Therefore, you can sunbathe well not only in direct sunlight, but also in the shade and on cloudy days.
When the Sun is at its zenith, rays with a length of 290 ... 289 nm reach the equatorial region of the earth's surface. In the middle latitudes, the short-wavelength boundary, in the summer months, is approximately 297 nm. During the period of effective illumination, the upper limit of the spectrum is about 300 nm. Beams with a wavelength of 350 ... 380 nm reach the earth's surface beyond the polar circle.
Influence of ultraviolet radiation on the biosphere
Above the range of vacuum radiation, ultraviolet rays are easily absorbed by water, air, glass, quartz and do not reach the Earth's biosphere. In the range of 400 ... 180 nm, the effect on living organisms of rays of different wavelengths is not the same. The most energetic shortwave rays played an essential role in the formation of the first complex organic compounds on Earth. However, these rays contribute not only to the formation, but also to the decomposition of organic substances. Therefore, the progress of life forms on Earth began only after, thanks to the activity of green plants, the atmosphere was enriched with oxygen and, under the influence of ultraviolet rays, a protective ozone layer was formed.We are interested in ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation in the range of 400 ... 180 nm. Three areas are highlighted within this range:
A - 400 ... 320 nm;
B - 320 ... 275 nm;
C - 275 ... 180nm.
There are significant differences in the effect of each of these ranges on a living organism. Ultraviolet rays act on matter, including living matter, according to the same laws as visible light. Some of the absorbed energy is converted into heat, but the thermal effect of ultraviolet rays does not have a noticeable effect on the body. Another way of transferring energy is luminescence.
Photochemical reactions under the influence of ultraviolet rays are most intense. The energy of the photons of ultraviolet light is very high, so when they are absorbed, the molecule ionizes and breaks down. Sometimes a photon knocks an electron out of the atom. Most often, the excitation of atoms and molecules occurs. Upon absorption of one quantum of light with a wavelength of 254 nm, the energy of the molecule increases to a level corresponding to the energy of thermal motion at a temperature of 38,000 ° C.
Main part solar energy reaches the earth in the form of visible light and infrared radiation, and only a small part in the form of ultraviolet radiation. The UV flux reaches its maximum values in the middle of summer in the Southern Hemisphere (the Earth is 5% closer to the Sun) and 50% of the daily amount of UV is received during 4 noon hours. Diffey found that for geographic latitudes with temperatures of 20-60 °, a person sunbathing from 10:30 to 11:30 and then from 16:30 to sunset will receive only 19% of the daily dose of UV. At noon, the UV intensity (300 nm) is 10 times higher than three hours earlier or later: an unburned person needs 25 minutes to get a light tan at noon, but to achieve the same effect after 15:00, he does not need to lie in the sun less than 2 hours.
The ultraviolet spectrum, in turn, is divided into ultraviolet-A (UV-A) with a wavelength of 315-400 nm, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) -280-315 nm and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) - 100-280 nm which differ in penetrating ability and biological effect on the body.
UV-A is not retained by the ozone layer, it passes through glass and the stratum corneum of the skin. The UV-A flux (mean at noon) is twice as high at the Arctic Circle as at the equator, so its absolute value is greater at high latitudes. There are also no significant fluctuations in UV-A intensity at different times of the year. Due to absorption, reflection and scattering when passing through the epidermis, only 20-30% of UV-A penetrates into the dermis and about 1% of its total energy reaches the subcutaneous tissue.
Most of the UV-B is absorbed by the ozone layer, which is transparent to UV-A. So the proportion of UV-B in the total UV energy in the summer afternoon is only about 3%. It practically does not penetrate through the glass, 70% is reflected by the stratum corneum, 20% is weakened when passing through the epidermis - less than 10% penetrates into the dermis.
However, for a long time it was believed that the share of UV-B in the damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation is 80%, since it is this spectrum that is responsible for the occurrence of sunburn erythema.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that UV-B is more strongly (shorter wavelength) scattered than UV-A when passing through the atmosphere, which leads to a change in the ratio between these fractions with increasing latitude (in northern countries) and time of day.
UV-C (200-280 nm) is absorbed by the ozone layer. In the case of using an artificial source of ultraviolet radiation, it is retained by the epidermis and does not penetrate into the dermis.
The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the cell
In the action of short-wave radiation on a living organism, the effect of ultraviolet rays on biopolymers - proteins and nucleic acids - is of greatest interest. Biopolymer molecules contain ring groups of molecules containing carbon and nitrogen, which intensively absorb radiation with a wavelength of 260 ... 280 nm. The absorbed energy can migrate along a chain of atoms within a molecule without significant loss until it reaches weak bonds between atoms and breaks the bond. During this process, called photolysis, fragments of molecules are formed, which have a strong effect on the body. So, for example, histamine is formed from the amino acid histidine - a substance that expands blood capillaries and increases their permeability. In addition to photolysis under the action of ultraviolet rays, denaturation occurs in biopolymers. When irradiated with light of a certain wavelength, the electric charge of the molecules decreases, they stick together and lose their activity - enzymatic, hormonal, antigenic, etc.The processes of photolysis and denaturation of proteins run in parallel and independently of each other. They are caused by different radiation ranges: beams of 280 ... 302 nm mainly cause photolysis, and 250 ... 265 nm - mainly denaturation. The combination of these processes determines the picture of the action of ultraviolet rays on the cell.
The cell's most sensitive function to the action of ultraviolet rays is division. Irradiation at a dose of 10 (-19) J / m2 causes a cessation of division of about 90% of bacterial cells. But the growth and vital activity of cells does not stop at the same time. Over time, their division is restored. To cause death of 90% of cells, suppression of synthesis nucleic acids and proteins, the formation of mutations, it is necessary to bring the radiation dose to 10 (-18) J / m2. Ultraviolet rays cause changes in nucleic acids that affect the growth, division, heredity of cells, i.e. on the main manifestations of life.
The significance of the mechanism of action on nucleic acid is explained by the fact that each DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule is unique. DNA is the hereditary memory of the cell. Its structure encodes information about the structure and properties of all cellular proteins. If any protein is present in a living cell in the form of tens and hundreds of identical molecules, then DNA stores information about the structure of the cell as a whole, about the nature and direction of metabolic processes in it. Therefore, violations in the structure of DNA can be irreparable or lead to serious disruption of life.
Effect of ultraviolet radiation on the skin
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin noticeably affects the metabolism of our body. It is well known that it is UV rays that initiate the formation of ergocalciferol (vitamin D), which is necessary for the absorption of calcium in the intestine and to ensure the normal development of the bone skeleton. In addition, ultraviolet light actively affects the synthesis of melatonin and serotonin - hormones responsible for the circadian (daily) biological rhythm. Studies by German scientists have shown that when exposed to UV rays, blood serum in it increased by 7% in the content of serotonin - the "vigor hormone" involved in the regulation of the emotional state. Its deficiency can lead to depression, mood swings, seasonal functional disorders. At the same time, the amount of melatonin, which has an inhibitory effect on the endocrine and central nervous systems, decreased by 28%. It is this double effect that explains the invigorating effect of the spring sun, which uplifts mood and vitality.The effect of radiation on the epidermis, the outer surface layer of the skin of vertebrates and humans, consisting of human stratified squamous epithelium, is an inflammatory reaction called erythema. The first scientific description of erythema was given in 1889 by A.N. Maklanov (Russia), who also studied the effect of ultraviolet rays on the eye (photophthalmia) and found that they are based on common causes.
Distinguish between caloric and ultraviolet erythema. Caloric erythema is caused by the effect of visible and infrared rays on the skin and the rush of blood to it. It disappears almost immediately after the cessation of the irradiation.
After cessation of exposure to UV radiation, after 2..8 hours, skin reddening (ultraviolet erythema) appears simultaneously with a burning sensation. Erythema appears after a latent period, within the irradiated area of the skin, and is replaced by sunburn and peeling. The duration of erythema has a duration of 10 ... 12 hours to 3 ... 4 days. The reddened skin is hot to the touch, slightly painful and appears to be swollen, slightly edematous.
Essentially, erythema is an inflammatory response, a burn to the skin. This is a special, aseptic (Aseptic - aseptic) inflammation. If the dose of radiation is too high or the skin is especially sensitive to them, the edematous liquid, accumulating, exfoliates in places the outer skin of the skin, forms bubbles. In severe cases, areas of necrosis (necrosis) of the epidermis appear. A few days after the disappearance of erythema, the skin darkens and begins to peel off. As the desquamation proceeds, part of the cells containing melanin are exfoliated (Melanin is the main pigment of the human body; it gives color to the skin, hair, iris of the eye. It is also contained in the pigment layer of the retina, participates in the perception of light), the tan turns pale. The thickness of the human skin varies depending on gender, age (thinner in children and old people) and localization - on average 1..2 mm. Its purpose is to protect the body from damage, temperature fluctuations, pressure.
The main layer of the epidermis is adjacent to the skin itself (dermis), in which blood vessels and nerves pass. In the main layer, there is a continuous process of cell division; the older ones are forced out by young cells and die off. Layers of dead and dying cells form the outer stratum corneum of the epidermis 0.07 ... 2.5 mm thick (On the palms and soles, mainly due to the stratum corneum, the epidermis is thicker than in other parts of the body), which is continuously exfoliated from the outside and restored from the inside.
If the rays falling on the skin are absorbed by the dead cells of the stratum corneum, they have no effect on the body. The effect of radiation depends on the penetrating ability of the rays and on the thickness of the stratum corneum. The shorter the radiation wavelength, the less their penetrating power. Beams shorter than 310 nm do not penetrate deeper than the epidermis. The longer wavelengths reach the papillary dermis, where the blood vessels pass. Thus, the interaction of ultraviolet rays with the substance occurs exclusively in the skin, mainly in the epidermis.
Most of the ultraviolet rays are absorbed in the germ (main) layer of the epidermis. The processes of photolysis and denaturation lead to the death of the styloid cells of the embryonic layer. Active products of protein photolysis cause vasodilation, skin edema, leukocyte release and other typical signs of erythema.
Photolysis products, spreading along the bloodstream, also irritate the nerve endings of the skin and reflexively affect all organs through the central nervous system. It was found that the frequency of electrical impulses increases in the nerve extending from the irradiated area of the skin.
Erythema is considered as a complex reflex, in the occurrence of which active products of photolysis are involved. The severity of erythema and the possibility of its formation depends on the state of the nervous system. On the affected areas of the skin, with frostbite, inflammation of the nerves, erythema either does not appear at all, or is very weakly expressed, despite the action of ultraviolet rays. Sleep, alcohol, physical and mental fatigue inhibits the formation of erythema.
N. Finzen (Denmark) first used ultraviolet radiation for the treatment of a number of diseases in 1899. At present, the manifestations of the action of different areas of ultraviolet radiation on the body have been studied in detail. Of the ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight, erythema is caused by rays with a wavelength of 297 nm. To rays with a greater or lesser wavelength, the erythemal sensitivity of the skin decreases.
With the help of artificial radiation sources, erythema was induced by rays of the 250 ... 255 nm range. Beams with a wavelength of 255 nm are produced by a resonant emission line of mercury vapor used in mercury-quartz lamps.
Thus, the curve of erythemal sensitivity of the skin has two maxima. The cavity between the two peaks is provided by the shielding effect of the stratum corneum.
Protective functions of the body
IN natural conditions after erythema, skin pigmentation develops - sunburn. The spectral maximum of pigmentation (340 nm) does not coincide with any of the peaks of erythemal sensitivity. Therefore, choosing a radiation source can cause pigmentation without erythema and vice versa.Erythema and pigmentation are not stages of the same process, although they follow one after the other. This is a manifestation of different, interconnected processes. In the cells of the lowest layer of the epidermis - melanoblasts - the skin pigment melanin is formed. Amino acids and adrenaline breakdown products serve as the starting material for the formation of melanin.
Melanin is not just a pigment or a passive protective shield that wards off living tissue. Melanin molecules are huge molecules with a network structure. In the links of these molecules, fragments of molecules destroyed by ultraviolet light are bound and neutralized, preventing them from passing into the blood and the internal environment of the body.
The function of tanning is to protect the cells of the dermis, the vessels and nerves located in it, from long-wave ultraviolet, visible and infrared rays, which cause overheating and heatstroke. Near infrared rays and visible light, especially its long-wavelength, "red" part, can penetrate into tissues much deeper than ultraviolet rays - to a depth of 3 ... 4 mm. Melanin granules - a dark brown, almost black pigment - absorb radiation in a wide range of the spectrum, protecting delicate internal organs accustomed to constant temperature from overheating.
The operational mechanism of the body's defense against overheating is the rush of blood to the skin and the expansion of blood vessels. This leads to an increase in heat transfer through radiation and convection (The total surface of the skin of an adult is 1.6 m2). If the air and surrounding objects are hot, another cooling mechanism comes into play - evaporation due to perspiration. These thermoregulatory mechanisms are designed to protect against the sun's visible and infrared rays.
Sweating, along with thermoregulatory function, inhibits human exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Sweat contains urocanic acid, which absorbs short-wave radiation due to the presence of a benzene ring in its molecules.
Light starvation (deficiency of natural UV radiation)
Ultraviolet radiation supplies energy for photochemical reactions in the body. Under normal conditions, sunlight causes the formation of a small amount of active photolysis products, which have a beneficial effect on the body. Ultraviolet rays in doses that cause the formation of erythema, enhance the work of hematopoietic organs, the reticulo-endothelial system (the physiological system of connective tissue, which produces antibodies that destroy foreign bodies and microbes), the barrier properties of the skin, eliminate allergies.Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation in the human skin from steroid substances, fat-soluble vitamin D is formed. Unlike other vitamins, it can enter the body not only with food, but also be formed in it from provitamins. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 280 ... 313 nm, the provitamins contained in the skin lubricant secreted by the sebaceous glands are converted into vitamin D and absorbed into the body.
The physiological role of vitamin D is that it aids in the absorption of calcium. Calcium is a part of bones, participates in blood coagulation, thickens cell and tissue membranes, and regulates the activity of enzymes. A disease that occurs with a lack of vitamin D in children in the first years of life, which caring parents hide from the sun, is called rickets.
In addition to natural sources of vitamin D, artificial ones are also used, irradiating provitamins with ultraviolet rays. When using artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation, it should be remembered that rays shorter than 270 nm destroy vitamin D. Therefore, using filters in the light flux of ultraviolet lamps, the short-wave part of the spectrum is suppressed. Solar starvation manifests itself in irritability, insomnia, and rapid fatigability of a person. In large cities, where the air is polluted with dust, ultraviolet rays causing erythema hardly reach the Earth's surface. Prolonged work in mines, engine rooms and closed factory workshops, work at night, and sleep in the daytime lead to light starvation. Light starvation is facilitated by window glass, which absorbs 90 ... 95% of ultraviolet rays and does not transmit rays in the range of 310 ... 340 nm. Wall painting is also essential. For example, yellow color completely absorbs ultraviolet rays. The lack of light, especially ultraviolet radiation, is felt by people, pets, birds and houseplants during the autumn, winter and spring periods.
To compensate for the lack of ultraviolet rays, lamps allow, which, along with visible light, emit ultraviolet rays in the wavelength range of 300 ... 340 nm. It should be borne in mind that mistakes in prescribing a dose of radiation, inattention to issues such as the spectral composition of ultraviolet lamps, the direction of radiation and the height of the lamps, the duration of the lamps burning, can be harmful instead of good.
The bactericidal effect of ultraviolet radiation
The bactericidal function of UV rays should also be noted. In medical institutions, this property is actively used to prevent nosocomial infection and ensure the sterility of operating units and dressings. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on bacterial cells, namely on DNA molecules, and the development of further chemical reactions in them leads to the death of microorganisms.Air pollution with dust, gases, water vapor has a harmful effect on the body. Ultraviolet rays of the Sun enhance the process of natural self-cleaning of the atmosphere from pollution, contributing to the rapid oxidation of dust, particles of smoke and soot, destroying microorganisms on dust particles. The natural ability to self-purify has limits and is insufficient in case of very strong air pollution.
Ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 253 ... 267 nm most effectively destroys microorganisms. If we take the maximum effect as 100%, then the activity of rays with a wavelength of 290 nm will be 30%, 300 nm - 6%, and rays lying on the border of visible light 400 nm - 0.01% of the maximum.
Microorganisms have different sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Yeasts, molds and bacterial spores are much more resistant to their action than vegetative forms of bacteria. The spores of individual fungi, surrounded by a thick and dense shell, feel great in the high layers of the atmosphere and, it is possible that they can travel even in space.
The sensitivity of microorganisms to ultraviolet rays is especially great during the division period and immediately before it. Curves of bactericidal effect, inhibition and growth of cells practically coincide with the curve of absorption by nucleic acids. Consequently, denaturation and photolysis of nucleic acids leads to the cessation of division and growth of cells of microorganisms, and in high doses to their death.
The bactericidal properties of ultraviolet rays are used to disinfect air, tools, dishes, with their help, they increase the shelf life food products, disinfect drinking water, inactivate viruses when preparing vaccines.
The negative effects of ultraviolet radiation
A number of negative effects arising from exposure to UV radiation on the human body are also well known, which can lead to a number of serious structural and functional damage to the skin. As you know, these injuries can be divided into:The role of UV-A rays in the etiology of photoaging has been proven by the work of many foreign and Russian scientists, but nevertheless, the mechanisms of photoaging continue to be studied using modern scientific and technical base, cell engineering, biochemistry and methods of cellular functional diagnostics.
The mucous membrane of the eye - the conjunctiva - does not have a protective stratum corneum, so it is more sensitive to UV radiation than the skin. Cutting in the eye, redness, lacrimation, partial blindness appear as a result of degeneration and death of cells of the conjunctiva and cornea. In this case, the cells become opaque. Long-wave ultraviolet rays, reaching the lens, in large doses, can cause clouding - cataracts.
Artificial sources of UV radiation in medicine
Germicidal lampsAs sources of UV radiation, discharge lamps are used, in which, in the process of an electric discharge, radiation is generated, containing a wavelength range of 205-315 nm (the rest of the radiation spectrum plays a secondary role). These lamps include mercury lamps of low and high pressure as well as xenon flash lamps.
Low-pressure mercury lamps structurally and in terms of electrical parameters practically do not differ from conventional fluorescent lighting lamps, except that their bulb is made of special quartz or uviol glass with a high UV transmittance, on the inner surface of which a phosphor layer is not applied ... These lamps are available in a wide power range from 8 to 60 watts. The main advantage of low-pressure mercury lamps is that more than 60% of the radiation falls on the line with a wavelength of 254 nm, which lies in the spectral region of maximum bactericidal action. They have a long service life of 5,000-10,000 hours and an instantaneous ability to operate after being ignited.
The high pressure mercury quartz lamp bulb is made of quartz glass. The advantage of these lamps is that, with small dimensions, they have a large unit power from 100 to 1,000 W, which makes it possible to reduce the number of lamps in the room, but they have low bactericidal efficiency and a short service life of 500-1,000 hours. In addition, normal combustion comes in 5-10 minutes after ignition.
A significant disadvantage of continuous emitting lamps is the risk of contamination by mercury vapors of the environment when the lamp breaks. If the integrity of the germicidal lamps is damaged and mercury enters the room, a thorough demercurization of the contaminated room should be carried out.
In recent years, a new generation of emitters has appeared - short-pulse ones with much higher biocidal activity. Their principle of operation is based on high-intensity pulsed irradiation of air and surfaces with continuous UV radiation. Pulsed radiation is obtained using xenon lamps, as well as using lasers. There are currently no data on the difference between the biocidal action of pulsed UV radiation from that of conventional UV radiation.
The advantage of xenon flash lamps is due to their higher bactericidal activity and shorter exposure time. The advantage of xenon lamps is that if they are accidentally destroyed, the environment is not contaminated with mercury vapor. The main disadvantages of these lamps, which restrain their widespread use, are the need to use high-voltage, complex and expensive equipment for their operation, as well as the limited life of the emitter (on average 1-1.5 years).
Germicidal lamps are divided into ozone and ozone-free.
Ozone lamps have a spectral line with a wavelength of 185 nm in the emission spectrum, which, as a result of interaction with oxygen molecules, forms ozone in the air. High concentrations of ozone can have adverse health effects. The use of these lamps requires monitoring of the ozone content in the air and careful ventilation of the room.
To exclude the possibility of ozone generation, the so-called bactericidal "ozone-free" lamps have been developed. In such lamps, due to the manufacture of a bulb from a special material (coated quartz glass) or its design, the emission of the 185 nm line is excluded.
Germicidal lamps that have worn out their service life or have failed should be stored packed in a separate room and require special disposal in accordance with the requirements of the relevant regulatory documents.
Bactericidal irradiators.
A germicidal irradiator is an electrical device that contains: a germicidal lamp, a reflector and other auxiliary elements, as well as fixtures for its attachment. Bactericidal irradiators redistribute the radiation flux into the surrounding space in a given direction and are divided into two groups - open and closed.
Open irradiators use a direct germicidal stream from lamps and a reflector (or without it) that covers a wide area of space around them. Ceiling or wall mounted. Illuminators installed in doorways are called barrier irradiators or ultraviolet curtains, in which the bactericidal flow is limited to a small solid angle.
A special place is occupied by open combined irradiators. In these irradiators, due to the rotating screen, the bactericidal flow from the lamps can be directed to the upper or lower zone of the space. However, the efficiency of such devices is much lower due to the change in wavelength during reflection and some other factors. When using combined irradiators, the bactericidal flow from shielded lamps should be directed to the upper zone of the room in such a way as to exclude the direct flow from the lamp or reflector to the lower zone. In this case, the irradiance from the reflected fluxes from the ceiling and walls on a conditional surface at a height of 1.5 m from the floor should not exceed 0.001 W / m2.
In closed irradiators (recirculators), the bactericidal flow from the lamps is distributed in a limited small enclosed space and does not have an outlet to the outside, while air disinfection is carried out in the process of pumping it through the ventilation holes of the recirculator. When using supply and exhaust ventilation, germicidal lamps are placed in the outlet chamber. The air flow rate is provided either by natural convection or forced by a fan. Closed-type irradiators (recirculators) should be placed indoors on the walls along the main air flows (in particular, near heating devices) at a height of at least 2 m from the floor.
According to the list of typical rooms broken down by categories (GOST), it is recommended to equip rooms of categories I and II with both closed irradiators (or supply and exhaust ventilation), and open or combined ones - when they are turned on in the absence of people.
It is recommended to use irradiators with ozone-free lamps in rooms for children and lung patients. Artificial ultraviolet irradiation, even indirect, is contraindicated in children with active tuberculosis, nephroso-nephritis, fever and severe exhaustion.
The use of ultraviolet germicidal installations requires strict implementation of safety measures to exclude possible harmful effects on humans of ultraviolet bactericidal radiation, ozone and mercury vapor.
Basic safety measures and contraindications for the use of therapeutic UV radiation.
Before using UV radiation from artificial sources, it is necessary to visit a doctor in order to select and establish the minimum erythemal dose (MED), which is a purely individual parameter for each person.As individual sensitivities vary widely, it is recommended that the duration of the first session be halved from the recommended time in order to establish the user's skin response. If after the first session any adverse reaction is found, further use of UV irradiation is not recommended.
Regular irradiation for a long time (a year or more) should not exceed 2 sessions per week, and there can be no more than 30 sessions or 30 minimal erythemal doses (MED) per year, no matter how small the erythema-effective exposure. It is advisable to occasionally interrupt regular radiation sessions.
Therapeutic irradiation must be carried out with the obligatory use of reliable goggles for the eyes.
The skin and eyes of any person can become a "target" for ultraviolet radiation. It is believed that people with fair skin are more susceptible to damage, however, dark-skinned, dark-skinned people also cannot feel completely safe.
Very careful with natural and artificial UV radiation of the whole body should be the following categories of people:
In spring, nature awakens, and people say goodbye to winter depressions. And the main reason for this is warmer and longer days, which gives the surrounding sun - the main natural source of ultraviolet radiation on Earth. Namely, ultraviolet light is one of the main sources of a full and healthy human life. However, not all people manage to spend enough time on the street. Therefore, an ultraviolet lamp for home today is becoming an excellent solution for many.
The essence of home UV lamps.
An ultraviolet lamp for home is a type of lighting lamp used in everyday life, the light source of which is rays invisible to the human eye, located on the border of the violet spectrum and X-ray radiation.
This radiation is the most beneficial for health. Examples of household appliances of this kind are: fluorescent, tungsten-halogen, LED ultraviolet lamps and many others.
Benefits of home UV lamps.
UV lamps promote the production of vitamin D. This vitamin is actively involved in the synthesis and absorption of calcium by the body, which is involved in the construction and strengthening of bones, teeth, hair and nails. With a sufficient amount of vitamin D, the body is able to obtain calcium from the food consumed. However, if there is a deficiency of the vitamin in question, then calcium ceases to be absorbed, that the body is immediately replenished by the consumption of this useful microelement, directly, from its own bone tissues. As a result, the skeleton becomes fragile, teeth can begin to crumble, nails can break, and so on.
In the future, a person acquires such a difficult to treat disease as osteoporosis. It is important to note that the synthesis of vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet radiation is independently regulated by the body, that is, the possibility of hypervitaminization and side effects is completely absent. The benefits of the vitamin in question lies not only in the prevention and treatment of rickets and other diseases associated with a lack of calcium in the body, but also in the ability to prevent the growth of cancer cells. This property is possessed by all types of lamps under consideration, including a fluorescent ultraviolet lamp.
Additionally, the following useful properties of such lamps can be noted:
General immuno-strengthening effect
It has long been proven that UV radiation has a beneficial effect on all systems of the human and animal body, contributing to the development of a powerful defense system against viral and infectious diseases, including seasonal colds.
Possibility of disinfection and disinfection of the premises
All UV lamps have this effect, helping to destroy pathogenic bacteria in a house or apartment and other harmful microorganisms.
Developing the resistance of human skin to sunburn
Benefits for pets
First of all, we are talking about exotic pets from warm countries, where the sun shines brightly all year round. In the temperate zone, these animals are stressed and a number of diseases, often fatal, are provoked. Additional artificial UV radiation completely helps to solve this problem.
Are UV lamps harmful?
To the question: is the ultraviolet lamp used in everyday life harmful? We can say unequivocally - no. Indeed, UV radiation is often harmful to human health and has contraindications for many diseases. But the harm is directly related to the amount of consumed solar radiation. And it is dangerous, exclusively, uncontrolled being under the scorching sun. With lamps, this is completely out of the question. The fact is that the amount of radiation that a home ultraviolet lamp gives is minimal (much lower than the sun's), and, therefore, completely safe for health.
Their positive effect is usually noticeable only after a few months. In this regard, special ultraviolet lamps for treatment are used for therapy, which allow achieving a therapeutic result after two to three days of use. Such procedures can only be carried out as directed and under the guidance of a qualified professional.
In conclusion, it must be said how to choose ultraviolet lamps. For general purposes and prevention, it is necessary to focus on lamps with radiation in the range of 280 - 410 nm. Unless, of course, we are not talking about specialized devices. For example, such as an ultraviolet lamp for water disinfection. There, the radiation range may differ from the average.
A source:
The use of ultraviolet radiation in medicine, everyday life, educational institutions includes disinfection of premises without the use of chemical compounds. A quartz lamp is an effective prophylactic anti-epidemic agent that ensures the fight against pathogenic microorganisms in the air, water and on various surfaces. This device reduces the spread of infections and viruses in the treated room.
Quartz lamps are used in:
- hospital wards;
- operating rooms;
- kindergartens and schools;
- everyday life.
The use of ultraviolet radiation simultaneously with ozonation in commercial premises, grocery warehouses makes it possible to preserve the freshness of food products, to prevent the processes of decay and the development of harmful microflora.
Indoor quartz lamp principle
A quartz lamp is an electric gas-discharge mercury device with a quartz glass bulb. When heated, the lamp begins to emit ultraviolet light. This radiation actively fights harmful bacteria and microbes.
However, ultraviolet rays do not penetrate deeply, inside furniture or through plaster walls, they only kill germs on the surface. To combat various types of microorganisms, different intensities and durations of disinfection devices are required.
First of all, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, sticks and cocci die, and the most resistant during irradiation are fungi, spore bacteria and protozoa. Quartzing gives positive result in the fight against the influenza virus. After 20 minutes from the start of the device operation, the room becomes practically sterile.
Expert opinion
Alexey Bartosh
Specialist in repair, maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.
Ask an expert
Attention! During operation of a quartz lamp, oxygen is ionized, due to which it is converted into ozone. In high concentration, this gas is toxic to all living organisms. Therefore, while the quartziser is working, the room should be empty. The person together with the pets must leave the room. If there are plants, then it is better to take them out.
Ozone, like ultraviolet light, fights harmful bacteria. But, in order not to harm a person, after quartzing, it is imperative to ventilate the room.
Airing after quartzing is a must for the content Features of quartzing
For the use of a quartzizer for disinfecting purposes, in accordance with regulatory sanitary requirements, an indicator of bactericidal efficiency is determined. This parameter evaluates the degree of reduction of bacterial contamination of the air under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The indicator is expressed as a percentage, as the ratio of the number of dead microorganisms to their initial number. For premises for various purposes with mandatory air disinfection, their own values of the required degree of bactericidal effect have been established.
Since direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation on human skin and eyes is dangerous, compliance is required following rules quartzization:
- First of all, make sure that there are no people, plants or other living things in the room before decontamination.
- Depending on the size of the room and the number of working quartz devices, the required exposure time and operating mode are set.
- During quartzing at the entrance to the room, a board with the inscription "Do not enter" turns on. After the end of the session, the light board turns off.
Quartzing of rooms is also possible in the presence of a person, if closed ultraviolet irradiators - recirculators are used. In this case, the air is disinfected inside the device, getting there through the ventilation duct. After disinfection, the air is sent back to the room.
For disinfection of medical instruments, cutlery, dishes, children's toys and other items, special cabinets are used. Lattice shelves are installed inside. This design allows for the irradiation of the processed items with ultraviolet light from all sides.
Before using the quartzizer in your home, consult your family doctor. There are a number of diseases in which quartz air disinfection is prohibited.
Version of household quartz lamp to contents Precautions
When using a quartz lamp, the following measures precautions:
- Use of protective glasses. They will protect your eyes from burns.
- It is forbidden to look at the working lamp, touch the heating surfaces of the device.
- You cannot sit next to a working light bulb.
- Do not sunbathe under UV germicidal lamps.
- Do not allow radiation to hit open skin areas - this leads to burns, dangerous skin diseases, including cancer.
- Do not disinfect the room if there is a sick person in the house with high temperature body.
- Observe fire safety when using devices.
- If, after quartzing, a specific smell of ozone is felt, be sure to ventilate the room.
Use quartz irradiators with extreme caution at home. Ultraviolet radiation can kill not only harmful microbes, but also the cells of the human body. Remember to replace the lamps in a timely manner.
In the case of ineffective air disinfection with a low-quality lamp, as well as in case of its breakage due to mercury inside or breakage, the risk of the spread of harmful bacteria increases. This situation is unacceptable. Therefore, when determining the health of the device, the user should be alerted to the following aspects:
- The device does not turn on.
- The timer is broken - the lamp does not turn off on time.
- The device is flashing.
- The ends of the lamp darkened.
- An unpleasant odor is felt near the appliance, as if something is burning.
- The device emits noise during operation.
Compact device for home use
What to do with a faulty device?
If you suspect a malfunction of the device, immediately disconnect it from the power supply. Do not try to repair the lamp yourself or open the casing of the apparatus. If the device is under warranty, take it to a service center. If the warranty has expired, find a quartz lamp repairer.
If the lamp accidentally breaks, then the room will already contain not only vapors, but also small droplets of mercury. If this happens, then you will need to demercurize the room.
Quartz lamp: harm and benefit
The use of an ultraviolet lamp for disinfection of premises is undeniable. Is there negative sides this device?
In this context, the following nuances can be named. Potential harm is possible when:
- the lamp is not used for its intended purpose;
- instructions and precautions are not followed;
- family members have contraindications for health reasons;
- the lamp is incorrectly selected.
Manufacturers offer two types of devices:
- Open.
- Closed.
When applying the first option, the room is freed from the presence of all living beings, including flowers. For domestic conditions, these devices are too aggressive. They are more often used in laboratories, clinics, offices.
Violation of safety rules is fraught with dangerous consequences for human health:
- Burning eyes.
- Skin burns.
- Melanoma is cancer.
Quartz lamp burn
The danger is posed by homemade irradiators. After all, it is not known how correctly a person followed the manufacturing technology, what is the effect of such a device, whether its use will harm people. When using such devices, it is impossible to stay in the room where disinfection is taking place. After turning off the device, the room is ventilated for at least half an hour.
Important! It should be remembered that excessive disinfection of living quarters is harmful to the human body. Even a child's body must independently form its immunity, cope with certain bacteria. A child who grew up in sterile conditions, getting into a kindergarten or school, often begins to get sick.
But if mold starts up in the house, one of the household members falls ill with an infectious pathology, and outside the window the season of colds begins, then quartzing will be very useful here.
Quartz lamps are of two types:
- Ozone (open).
- Zone-free (closed).
Devices of the first type are used only in the complete absence of living beings in the room. They are widely used in hospitals, catering establishments, laboratories, educational institutions, offices. In the fight against pathogenic flora, viruses and infections, they are more effective than closed devices but also more aggressive.
Combined devices that combine the advantages of open and closed devices deserve special attention. With their help, direct irradiation of the space is carried out (when an open lamp is turned on) and diffuse (when a shielded device is operating). Lamps for direct and reflected illumination have separate switches and can be operated independently of each other.
What should be considered when choosing?
When choosing a quartz irradiator, consider the lamp wattage and room size:
- 15 W lamps are suitable for rooms with an area of 15–35 square meters.
- Devices from 36 W are designed for rooms from 40 square meters.
If you are going to carry out disinfection inside closed spaces: in a refrigerator, closet, medicine box, then pay attention to the size of the lamp. A compact model is best suited for this. Bulky devices are inconvenient to carry and use in such conditions.
The design and installation method of the lamp is also taken into account:
- Wall mounted.
- Ceiling.
- Mobile or portable.
- Wall and ceiling.
When buying a lamp, give preference to trusted manufacturers. Do not purchase devices on the market from street vendors who do not even provide a warranty on their products.
Summing up, it should be noted that bactericidal devices are used to disinfect surfaces and indoor air. They have become an effective means for disinfecting drinking water, sterilizing objects and tools. A properly selected lamp can neutralize viruses, infectious agents, fungi, spores and molds, preventing their multiplication. So that the operation of such a device does not harm human health, it is important to follow the instructions and precautions.
The sun gives life to our planet and gives a sea of ultraviolet radiation for the beauty and health of mankind. It was noted that people living in countries where there is more natural light due to location and climate are happier compared to, for example, Nordic countries where there can be bad weather and cloudy for many months of the year.
More recently, by historical standards, a person began to spend a huge amount of time indoors, resulting in a shortage of solar heat, a shortage of ultraviolet rays. City dwellers rarely visit the fresh air, but progress does not stand still and the difficulties that arise, respond with simple technical solutions.
An ultraviolet lamp is a device that emits in the range invisible to the eye, in the interval between the X-ray and the violet color of the spectrum.
Ultraviolet lamp: benefits and harms
Radiation from a lamp or exposure to the sun is necessary condition health of both humans and animals and plants, few creatures inhabiting our planet can do without this component completely.
The UV lamp, replacing natural light, promotes the production of vitamin D, a deficiency of which is known to lead to a disease such as rickets. However, vitamin D is known for another important property - it promotes the absorption of calcium by the body, and calcium, in turn, is one of the most basic elements of the functioning and growth of many tissues for humans and even protects against cancer.
Ultraviolet radiation helps to get rid of pathogenic organisms that are in abundance around us all, and from the usual pathogens of the common cold to more serious "comrades" like Koch's wand. Koch's wand is the causative agent of tuberculosis, which is a breeding ground for places of detention, where not only ventilation is poorly organized, but even a ray of light does not penetrate.
The beneficial effect of UV can be observed on the skin - a bactericidal and drying effect, which helps to quickly and effectively cope with many skin problems. Acne, fungus, and dermatitis are typical examples.
As already mentioned, ultraviolet rays lift your mood, prevent depression, and charge you with optimism.
Don't expect immediate effects. The beneficial effect is cumulative, and weeks and months may pass before the first, noticeable to the eye, positive changes.
The harm of an ultraviolet lamp
Everything is good in moderation. If you do not abuse the use of such a lamp, follow the instructions, then there are no problems. In case of inept use of the device, quite serious consequences can occur: burns (eyes and skin), exacerbation of heart disease. You can provoke the growth of cancer cells of the epidermis - skin cancer. Note that prolonged sunbathing also has data side effects, therefore, the lamp itself is not harmful, harm appears only in conjunction with the human factor.
How to use a UV lamp?
Mainly by carefully reading the instructions and clearly following its recommendations, especially carefully observing the parameters of safe use.
How to choose an ultraviolet lamp?
If the question is raised, which lamp to buy, ultraviolet or quartz (as a type: home solarium), then it should be borne in mind that the latter can be used only after the permission of the doctor. The choice should be based on the desired useful effect, for example, for a preventive function, you should find a device emitting 280 - 410 nm.
The rest in the choice belongs to quality indicators, the capabilities of the purchaser and the confidence of the manufacturer's brand.
The main »Benefits and harm» Quartz lamp harm and benefits
The benefits and harms of home quartzing
Quartzization is the process of treating air with ultraviolet rays to destroy bacteria with viruses and germs. Bactericidal treatment of the premises and air enrichment with ozone made the process relevant in cold season... Artificial quartzing does not replace sunlight, but makes it possible to strengthen the body, increase immunity, ensure the production of vitamin D with biologically active substances, and compensate for sunlight.
The benefits of quartzing
Quartz lamps are used for general and local irradiation. For a long time they were used for intracavitary processing and disinfection of household premises. It is necessary to decontaminate premises not only in hospitals and laboratories, but also at home. Home quartzing is used to process children's rooms.
Before using quartzing at home, find out what are the benefits and harms of the procedure. Positive changes from quartz lamps are provided by an antibacterial effect. The benefits of quartzing are as follows:
- Prevention of colds with flu. In the presence of an infected person, quartzing will reduce the risk of further infection of family members.
- The condition with chronic bronchitis, adenoids and lingering rhinitis is relieved, because the lamp kills bacteria.
- Treatment of otitis media or ear inflammation. It is a quick and easy way.
- Treatment of skin conditions, from psoriasis, eczema, rashes to acne.
- Toothache and stomatitis can be effectively treated with home quartzing.
- Relief of joint pain and osteochondrosis in inflammatory processes.
- Prevention of rickets. The lamp is useful for families with children.
- Treatment of inflammatory processes.
When recovering from serious operations, quartzing is used for prophylaxis.
The fact that quartzing a room has positive effects is not surprising. This is due to the qualities of UV rays. Periodically turning on the quartz lamp, the air becomes sterile, because there are no harmful microorganisms in it.
Harm of quartzing
Before purchasing and using a lamp, find out what harm quartzing brings to humans.
Quartzization can be harmful due to improper use of the device. Modern options can be turned on even if there are tenants in the room. Read the instructions carefully before using the device.
The lamp will be harmful if family members suffer:
- Individual intolerance... Use the lamp carefully.
- Tumors... The use of a quartz lamp can lead to accelerated tumor formation.
- Increased pressure... If you suffer from vascular problems, then do not use quartzization at home - the harm will be greater than the benefit.
For maximum safety of the procedure, consult your doctor. After the conclusion that there are no contraindications for using home quartzing, feel free to start using the device. There are many benefits from the procedure, but potential harm may not appear.
How to choose lamps
When choosing a lamp, keep in mind the variety of designs and options available from different factories. Consider several options, compare, and then make your choice.
Quartz lamps are of two types - open and closed. The use of the first type is possible only in the absence of living organisms in the room, including flowers. Such lamps are used for quartzing rooms in hospitals, offices and laboratories.
In an apartment, it is preferable to use universal closed quartz lamps.
Device characteristics:
- versatility;
- closed type;
- compact size.
The device looks like a structure with tubes. The main purpose is disinfection of rooms or intracavitary irradiation.
When you purchase a home quartz lamp, check each tube for integrity and complete set.
How is quartzing carried out
Use safety glasses when quartzing to protect your eyes from exposure to rays. Do not touch the lamp surface. If accidentally touched, treat the area with alcohol solutions.
The instructions for the lamp indicate the exact time for home quartzing. The first times should take place with minimal parameters, to check the individual tolerance to ultraviolet light.
When quartzing at home, remember that:
- you can not disinfect a living room if there is a patient with a high body temperature;
- with dry skin, a consultation with a specialist is required before the procedure;
- it is forbidden to use quartz lamps as a tanning agent;
- pets and plants should not be left in the room while quartzing;
- you need to observe fire safety in the house when the quartz lamp is working.
With proper observance of the operating rules and doctor's prescriptions, you will fully experience the beneficial effect of a quartz lamp on the air of your apartment and improve your well-being.
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Quartz lamps for home - benefit or harm
The use of quartz lamps
It is no secret that the air we breathe in some way predetermines the state of our body. If you and I inhale dust, hundreds of bacteria - do not be surprised that we feel bad. But, if you can get rid of dust with the help of wet cleaning and rejection of carpets (find out where the dust in the house comes from), and objects that collect this dust, then you can clean the air of bacteria, viruses and germs using a quartz lamp for the home ...
The benefits and dangers of quartzing, how to choose a quartz lamp for your home and how to properly quartz a room - we will tell you about all this right now ...
What is a quartz lamp for?
A quartz lamp is a special lamp with the help of which the quartzization process is carried out, as a result of which the air is treated with ultraviolet rays, and the destruction of viruses, bacteria and microbes occurs. In addition, during such a bactericidal air treatment, it is enriched with ozone, which is very useful for the cold season. However, do not think that thanks to quartz lamps you will be able to replace sunlight. That will not happen. But, here's to strengthen your body, increase its defenses, as well as ensure the processes of vitamin D production and biologically active substances, and at least somehow compensate for the lack of sunlight - a quartz lamp will cope with these tasks perfectly.
In this case, you can use a quartz lamp, both for providing a point irradiation, and for general.
Surely, those who have been in the hospital at least once will remember that the time during which the chambers were quartz was indicated in the daily routine.
But, it is necessary to disinfect the air not only in the hospital, but also in our homes, especially in children's rooms.
The benefits of quartzing
The benefits of using quartz lamps
Considering the fact that medical institutions are actively using quartz lamps for quartzing wards and rooms with increased sterility, it can be assumed that this procedure is not only necessary, but also useful. This is indeed the case. Today experts have compiled a whole list of useful aspects of quartzing, and World Without Harm invites you to familiarize yourself with it.
So, quartzing will be useful for and for:
- Prevention of colds viral diseases. If one of the family members is already sick, then regular quartzing will reduce the risk of infection to other family members.
- Relief of the condition in diseases such as chronic bronchitis, adenoids, a chronic runny nose, in view of the fact that quartz lamps will kill bacteria that contribute to the development of the disease.
- Treatment of ear diseases, in particular otitis media.
- Treating stomatitis and toothache.
- In inflammatory processes with osteochondrosis, as well as to relieve pain in the joints.
- For the prevention of rickets in the case of newborn children.
- Treatment of inflammatory diseases.
- During the period of rehabilitation and recovery after serious illnesses.
Considering the quality of ultraviolet rays, and the spectrum of their effects, the periodic switching on of quartz lamps and quartzization of the room with their help will help to purify the air and make it sterile, save you from the presence of harmful microorganisms in it that are causative agents of dangerous diseases.
Harm of quartz lamps
Observe safety precautions when quartzing
However, in inept hands, quartz lamps, and even quartzing itself, as a preventive procedure, can do more harm than good. First of all, this applies to situations when the device - a quartz lamp - is used for other purposes, and without following the recommendations in the instructions. In particular, if it says that it is not worth quartzing a room when there are people in it, it will not be appropriate to ignore this recommendation.
Also, some people may have an individual intolerance to quartzing. So, even if the instructions indicate that you can be in the room when it is quartz, but you feel bad, you should not tempt fate, it is better to leave the room while it is quartz.
The presence of neoplasms, both malignant and benign, in the case of irradiation with a quartz lamp, can lead to intensive tumor growth. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with a tumor or cyst, you are strictly prohibited from being in the room when it quartz.
People with high blood pressure should also be extremely careful when using quartz lamps. The same can be said about patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Only after making sure that you have no direct contraindications to the use of quartz lamps, having studied the instructions for them, and having consulted with your doctor about this, you can proceed to the quartzization procedure without worrying that it may be harmful for you ...
How to choose a quartz lamp for your home
If you have no contraindications for the use of quartz lamps, and you are interested in making you and your loved ones less likely to get sick, you should consider purchasing your own quartz lamp for your home.
Types of quartz lamps
Today there are enough options, they differ in their appearance, but in general they can be divided into 2 main types. Quartz lamps can be open or closed.
Open quartz lamps can only be used when there are no living organisms, pets and indoor plants in the room. As a rule, such quartz lamps would be appropriate to install in hospital wards, offices, or laboratories, where it will be possible to turn them on for a period while all personnel are absent.
But for home use, closed-type quartz lamps are better suited. They can be used even if you do not plan to leave the room. You will not get harm from quartzing with them.
What else to look for when choosing a quartz lamp for home
Also, pay attention to the versatility of these quartz lamps, their size, and what they are for. Having stopped your choice on a specific model, carefully study its characteristics, read the instructions, and only after making sure that all the lamp parts are in place, and the quartz lamp is fully equipped with them, make a purchase.
How to properly quartz a room
- In order for the use of quartz lamps to benefit you, follow the recommendations from the instructions for such lamps, and also do not forget that even if you have closed-type lamps, in order to protect your eyes from exposure to quartz rays, you will need special glasses.
- Avoid touching the surface of a heated lamp inadvertently, as this can cause severe burns, but if you were not careful, carefully treat the place of contact with the lamp.
- In order to make sure that you do not suffer from an individual intolerance to quartzing, the first quartzing sessions should be at the minimum parameters and not long in time so that you can establish that you can tolerate ultraviolet light. In the future, adhere to the recommended quartzization time.
- If there is a person with a high temperature in the room, then it is not worth quartzing the room while the patient is in it.
- The ultraviolet rays of a quartz lamp have the ability to dry out the skin, and the air in the room after their use is dry. Take care of the condition of your skin, specially nourishing and moisturizing it, as well as additional air humidification, if necessary.
- And, now, attention, a quartz lamp is not a mini solarium, with its help it is not worth trying to get an even chocolate tan, which you will keep for a long time. Learn more about the dangers of tanning beds and how to keep your tan.
- Do not leave small children, animals and plants alone with working quartz lamps.
- When working with a quartz lamp, do not forget about observance of fire safety rules.
Video about quartz lamps for home
Today we talked about quartz lamps for the home, about their benefits and dangers, about how to choose such lamps correctly, and how to quartz a room with their help.
We would be interested to know your opinion on the benefits and harms of quartz lamps. Do you use them to decontaminate rooms and air in your home?
Olga Shevtsova, World Without Harm
Ultraviolet light damages living cells without affecting chemical composition water and air, which distinguishes it extremely favorably from all chemical methods disinfection and disinfection of water.
Achievements of recent years in lighting and electrical engineering make it possible to ensure a high degree of reliability of water disinfection with ultraviolet rays.
What is this radiation
Ultraviolet radiation, ultraviolet rays, UV radiation, electromagnetic radiation not visible to the eye, occupying the spectral region between visible and X-ray radiation within the wavelength range of 400-10 nm. The entire area of UV radiation is conventionally divided into near (400-200 nm) and far, or vacuum (200-10 nm); the latter name is due to the fact that the UV radiation of this area is strongly absorbed by air and its study is carried out using vacuum spectral devices.
Natural sources of UV radiation are the Sun, stars, nebulae and other space objects. However, only the long-wavelength part of UV radiation - 290 nm - reaches the earth's surface. Shorter-wavelength UV radiation is absorbed by ozone, oxygen and other atmospheric components at an altitude of 30-200 km from the Earth's surface, which plays an important role in atmospheric processes.
Artificial sources of UV radiation. For various applications of UV radiation, the industry produces mercury, hydrogen, xenon, and other gas-discharge lamps, the windows of which (or the entire bulb) are made of materials transparent to UV radiation (usually quartz). Any high-temperature plasma (plasma of electric sparks and arcs, plasma formed by focusing high-power laser radiation in gases or on a surface solids, etc.) is a powerful source of UV radiation.
Despite the fact that ultraviolet light is given to us by nature itself, it is unsafe
Ultraviolet is of three types: "A"; "B"; "FROM". The ozone layer prevents UV-C from reaching the earth's surface. Light in the ultraviolet "A" spectrum has a wavelength of 320 to 400 nm, light in the ultraviolet "B" spectrum has a wavelength of 290 to 320 nm. UV radiation has enough energy to affect chemical bonds, including in living cells.
The energy of the ultraviolet component of sunlight causes damage to microorganisms at the cellular and genetic levels, the same damage is done to humans, but it is limited to the skin and eyes. Sunburns are caused by exposure to ultraviolet "B". Ultraviolet "A" penetrates much deeper than ultraviolet "B" and contributes to premature aging of the skin. In addition, exposure to ultraviolet light "A" and "B" leads to skin cancer.
From the history of ultraviolet rays
The bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays was discovered about 100 years ago. The first laboratory tests of UVR in the 1920s were so promising that the complete elimination of airborne infections seemed possible in the very near future. UVI has been actively used since the 1930s, and in 1936 it was first used to sterilize air in a surgical operating room. In 1937, the first application of UV in the ventilation system of one of the American schools dramatically reduced student incidence of measles and other infections. Then it seemed that a wonderful remedy had been found to fight airborne infections. However, further study of UVR and hazardous side effects seriously narrowed the possibilities of its use in the presence of people.
The power of penetration of ultraviolet rays is small and they propagate only in a straight line, i.e. in any work area, many shaded areas are formed that are not subject to germicidal treatment. With distance from the source of ultraviolet radiation, its biocidal action decreases sharply. The action of the rays is limited to the surface of the irradiated object, and its purity is of great importance.
The bactericidal effect of ultraviolet radiation
The disinfecting effect of UV radiation is mainly due to photochemical reactions, as a result of which irreversible damage to DNA occurs. In addition to DNA, ultraviolet light acts on other cell structures, in particular, on RNA and cell membranes. Ultraviolet light, as a high-precision weapon, strikes precisely living cells without affecting the chemical composition of the medium, which is the case for chemical disinfectants. The latter property distinguishes it extremely favorably from all chemical disinfection methods.
The use of ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet is currently used in various fields: medical institutions (hospitals, clinics, hospitals); food industry (food, drinks); pharmaceutical industry; veterinary medicine; for disinfection of drinking, circulating and waste water.
Modern advances in lighting and electrical engineering have provided conditions for the creation of large complexes for UV disinfection. The widespread introduction of UV technology into municipal and industrial water supply systems makes it possible to ensure effective disinfection (disinfection) of both drinking water before being fed into the city water supply network and wastewater before being released into water bodies. This makes it possible to exclude the use of toxic chlorine, significantly increase the reliability and safety of water supply and sewerage systems as a whole.
Ultraviolet water disinfection
One of the urgent tasks in the disinfection of drinking water, as well as industrial and domestic wastewater after their clarification (biological treatment) is the use of technology that does not use chemical reagents, that is, technology that does not lead to the formation of toxic compounds during the disinfection process (as in the case of application chlorine compounds and ozonation) with the simultaneous complete destruction of pathogenic microflora.
There are three parts of the spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, which have different biological effects. Ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 390-315 nm has a weak biological effect. UV rays in the range of 315-280 nm have an anti-rachitic effect, and ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 280-200 nm has the ability to kill microorganisms.
Ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 220-280 have a detrimental effect on bacteria, and the maximum bactericidal effect corresponds to a wavelength of 264 nm. This circumstance is used in bactericidal installations intended for disinfection of mainly groundwater. The source of ultraviolet rays is a mercury-argon or mercury-quartz lamp installed in a quartz cover in the center of the metal body. The cover protects the lamp from contact with water, but freely transmits ultraviolet rays. Disinfection occurs during the flow of water in the space between the case and the cover with direct exposure to ultraviolet rays on microbes.
The bactericidal action is assessed in units called bacta (b). To ensure the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet irradiation, approximately 50 μb min / cm2 is sufficient. UV irradiation is the most promising method of water disinfection with high efficiency in relation to pathogenic microorganisms, which does not lead to the formation of harmful by-products, which sometimes ozonation sinns.
UV irradiation is ideal for the disinfection of artesian waters
The view that groundwater is considered free of microbial contamination as a result of water filtration through the soil is not entirely correct. Research has shown that groundwater is free of large microorganisms such as protoses or helminths, but smaller microorganisms such as viruses can penetrate the soil into underground water sources. Even if bacteria are not found in the water, decontamination equipment should act as a barrier against seasonal or emergency contamination.
UV irradiation should be used to ensure the disinfection of water to the normative quality for microbiological indicators, while the necessary doses are selected on the basis of the required reduction in the concentration of pathogenic and indicator microorganisms.
UV irradiation does not form reaction by-products, its dose can be increased to values that ensure epidemiological safety, both for bacteria and viruses. It is known that UV radiation acts on viruses much more efficiently than chlorine, therefore the use of ultraviolet radiation in the preparation of drinking water allows, in particular, to largely solve the problem of removing hepatitis A viruses, which is not always solved with traditional chlorination technology.
The use of UV irradiation as disinfection is recommended for water that has already been purified for color, turbidity and iron content. The effect of water disinfection is controlled by determining the total number of bacteria in 1 cm3 of water and the number of indicator bacteria of the E. coli group in 1 liter of water after disinfection.
Today, flow-through UV lamps are widely used. The main element of this installation is a block of irradiators consisting of UV-spectrum lamps in an amount determined by the required performance for treated water. The inside of the lamp has a cavity for a duct. Contact with UV rays occurs through special windows inside the lamp. The body of the unit is made of metal, which protects against the penetration of rays into the environment.
The water supplied to the installation must meet the following requirements:
- total iron content - no more than 0.3 mg / l, manganese - 0.1 mg / l;
- hydrogen sulfide content - no more than 0.05 mg / l;
- turbidity - no more than 2 mg / l for kaolin;
- chromaticity - no more than 35 degrees.
The ultraviolet disinfection method has the following advantages over oxidative disinfection methods (chlorination, ozonation):
- UV irradiation is lethal for most aquatic bacteria, viruses, spores and protozoa. It destroys the causative agents of infectious diseases such as typhus, cholera, dysentery, viral hepatitis, poliomyelitis, etc. The use of ultraviolet radiation makes it possible to achieve more effective disinfection than chlorination, especially in relation to viruses;
- disinfection with ultraviolet light occurs due to photochemical reactions inside microorganisms, therefore, a change in the characteristics of water has a much smaller effect on its effectiveness than during disinfection with chemical reagents. In particular, the effect of ultraviolet radiation on microorganisms is not affected by the pH and temperature of the water;
- in water treated with ultraviolet radiation, toxic and mutagenic compounds that have a negative effect on the biocenosis of water bodies are not detected;
- in contrast to oxidative technologies, in case of overdose, there are no negative effects. This makes it possible to significantly simplify the control over the disinfection process and not to carry out analyzes to determine the content of the residual concentration of the disinfectant in the water;
- disinfection time with UV irradiation is 1-10 seconds in a flow-through mode, so there is no need to create contact containers;
- the achievements of recent years in lighting and electrical engineering make it possible to ensure a high degree of reliability of UV complexes. Modern UV lamps and control gear for them are serially produced, have a high service life;
- for disinfection with ultraviolet radiation, operating costs are lower than with chlorination and, especially, ozonation. This is due to the relatively low consumption of electricity (3-5 times less than with ozonation); no need for expensive reagents: liquid chlorine, sodium or calcium hypochlorite, as well as no need for reagents for dechlorination;
- there is no need to create warehouses for toxic chlorine-containing reagents requiring compliance with special measures of technical and environmental safety, which increases the reliability of water supply and sewerage systems as a whole;
- ultraviolet equipment is compact, requires minimal areas, its implementation is possible in the existing technological processes of treatment facilities without stopping them, with a minimum amount of construction and installation work.
UV radiation harm and benefit
Ultraviolet radiation: uses, benefits and harms:
On Earth, the intensity of its impact, which we call ultraviolet radiation, depends on many factors. Among them: the season, the geographical location of the area above sea level, the thickness of the ozone layer, cloudiness, as well as the level of concentration of industrial and natural impurities in the air masses.
Ultra-violet rays
Sunlight reaches us in two ranges. The human eye is only able to distinguish one of them. In the spectrum invisible to humans, ultraviolet rays are located. What are they? These are nothing more than electromagnetic waves. The length of ultraviolet radiation is in the range from 7 to 14 nm. Such waves carry huge streams of thermal energy to our planet, which is why they are often called thermal.
Under ultraviolet radiation, it is customary to understand a wide spectrum consisting of electromagnetic waves with a range conditionally divided into far and near beams. The first of them are considered to be vacuum. They are completely absorbed by the upper atmosphere. In the conditions of the Earth, their generation is possible only in the conditions of vacuum chambers.
As for the near ultraviolet rays, they are divided into three subgroups, classified by ranges into:
Long, ranging from 400 to 315 nanometers;
Medium - from 315 to 280 nanometers;
The short ones are from 280 to 100 nanometers.
Measuring instruments
How does a person define ultraviolet radiation? Today there are many special devices designed not only for professional but also for domestic use. With their help, the intensity and frequency are measured, as well as the magnitude of the received dose of UV rays. The results allow you to evaluate them possible harm for the body.
Sources of ultraviolet radiation
The main "supplier" of UV rays on our planet is, of course, the Sun. However, to date, man has also invented artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation, which are special lamp devices. Among them:
High pressure mercury quartz lamp capable of operating in the general range from 100 to 400 nm;
Luminescent vital lamp, generating wavelengths from 280 to 380 nm, the maximum peak of its radiation is between 310 and 320 nm;
Ozone-free and ozone germicidal lamps that produce ultraviolet rays, 80% of which are 185 nm in length.
Benefits of UV rays
Similar to natural ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, the light produced by special devices affects the cells of plants and living organisms, changing their chemical structure. Today, researchers are aware of only a few species of bacteria that can exist without these rays. The rest of the organisms, having fallen into conditions where there is no ultraviolet radiation, will certainly die.
UV rays can have a significant effect on the metabolic processes taking place. They increase the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as endocrine system... Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the production of vitamin D is activated. This is the main component that promotes the absorption of calcium and prevents the development of osteoporosis and rickets.
Harm of UV rays
Hard ultraviolet radiation, destructive for living organisms, does not transmit ozone layers in the stratosphere to the Earth. However, rays in the middle range, reaching the surface of our planet, are capable of causing:
Ultraviolet erythema - severe skin burn;
Cataract - clouding of the lens of the eye that leads to blindness;
Melanoma is skin cancer.
In addition, ultraviolet rays can have a mutagenic effect, cause malfunctions in the work of immune forces, which becomes the cause of oncological pathologies.
Skin lesions
Ultraviolet rays sometimes cause:
- Acute skin lesions. Their occurrence is facilitated by high doses of solar radiation, containing rays of the middle range. They act on the skin for a short time, causing erythema and acute photodermatosis.
- Delayed skin damage. It occurs after prolonged exposure to long-wave UV rays. These are chronic photodermatitis, solar geroderma, photoaging of the skin, the appearance of neoplasms, ultraviolet mutagenesis, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Herpes is also on this list.
Both acute and delayed injuries are sometimes obtained with excessive enthusiasm for artificial sunbathing, as well as when visiting those tanning salons that use uncertified equipment or where UV lamp calibration is not carried out.
Skin protection
The human body, with a limited amount of any sunbathing, is able to cope with ultraviolet radiation on its own. The fact is that over 20% of these rays can detain a healthy epidermis. To date, protection from ultraviolet radiation, in order to avoid the occurrence of malignant tumors, will require:
Restrictions on the time spent in the sun, which is especially important in the summer noon hours;
Wearing lightweight, but at the same time, closed clothing;
Selection of effective sunscreens.
Using the bactericidal properties of ultraviolet radiation
UV rays can kill fungus as well as other microbes found on objects, walls, floors, ceilings and in the air. In medicine, these bactericidal properties of ultraviolet radiation are widely used, and their application is appropriate. Special lamps that emit UV rays ensure the sterility of the surgical and manipulation rooms. However, ultraviolet bactericidal radiation is used by physicians not only to combat various nosocomial infections, but also as one of the methods for eliminating many diseases.
Phototherapy
The use of ultraviolet radiation in medicine is one of the methods of getting rid of various diseases. In the process of such treatment, a dosed effect of UV rays on the patient's body is performed. At the same time, the use of ultraviolet radiation in medicine for these purposes becomes possible thanks to the use of special phototherapy lamps.
A similar procedure is performed to eliminate diseases of the skin, joints, respiratory organs, peripheral nervous system, and female genital organs. Ultraviolet light is prescribed to speed up the healing process and to prevent rickets.
The use of ultraviolet radiation is especially effective in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, some types of dermatitis, prurigo, porphyria, and pruritis. It should be noted that this procedure does not require anesthesia and does not cause discomfort in the patient.
The use of a lamp that produces ultraviolet light allows you to obtain good result in the treatment of patients who have undergone severe purulent operations. In this case, the patients are also helped by the bactericidal property of these waves.
The use of UV rays in cosmetology
Infrared waves are actively used in the field of maintaining human beauty and health. So, the use of ultraviolet bactericidal radiation is necessary to ensure the sterility of various rooms and devices. For example, it can be the prevention of infection of manicure tools.
The use of ultraviolet radiation in cosmetology is, of course, a solarium. In it, with the help of special lamps, customers can get a tan. It perfectly protects the skin from possible subsequent sunburn. That is why cosmetologists recommend to go through several sessions in a solarium before traveling to hot countries or to the sea.
Necessary in cosmetology and special UV lamps. Thanks to them, the fast polymerization of a special gel used for manicure occurs.
Determination of electronic structures of objects
Ultraviolet radiation is also used in physical research. With its help, the spectra of reflection, absorption and emission in the UV region are determined. This makes it possible to refine the electronic structure of ions, atoms, molecules and solids.
UV spectra of stars, the Sun and other planets carry information about the physical processes that occur in the hot regions of the investigated space objects.
Water purification
Where else are UV rays used? Ultraviolet bactericidal radiation is used for the disinfection of drinking water. And if earlier chlorine was used for this purpose, today its negative effect on the body has already been quite well studied. So, vapors of this substance can cause poisoning. The ingestion of chlorine itself provokes the onset of cancer. That is why ultraviolet lamps are increasingly used to disinfect water in private homes.
UV rays are also used in swimming pools. Ultraviolet emitters are used in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries to eliminate bacteria. These spheres also need clean water.
Air disinfection
Where else does a person use UV rays? The use of ultraviolet radiation for air disinfection is also becoming more common in recent years. Recirculators and radiators are installed in crowded places such as supermarkets, airports and train stations. The use of UVR, which affects microorganisms, makes it possible to decontaminate their habitat to the highest degree, up to 99.9%.
Domestic use
UV quartz lamps have been disinfecting and purifying the air in clinics and hospitals for many years. However, in recent years, ultraviolet radiation is increasingly being used in everyday life. It is highly effective in eliminating organic pollutants such as mildew and mold, viruses, yeast and bacteria. These microorganisms spread especially quickly in those rooms where people, for various reasons, tightly close windows and doors for a long time.
The use of a bactericidal irradiator in a domestic environment becomes advisable with a small area of housing and a large family in which there are small children and pets. A UV lamp will allow you to periodically disinfect rooms, minimizing the risk of onset and further transmission of diseases.
Similar devices are used by tuberculosis patients. After all, such patients do not always undergo hospital treatment. While at home, they need to disinfect their home, including using ultraviolet radiation.
Application in forensic science
Scientists have developed a technology to detect the minimum doses of explosives. For this, a device is used in which ultraviolet radiation is produced. Such a device is capable of detecting the presence of hazardous elements in the air and water, on tissue, as well as on the skin of a suspect in a crime.
Also, ultraviolet and infrared radiation finds its application in macro photography of objects with invisible and hardly visible traces of a committed offense. This allows forensic experts to study documents and marks of a shot, texts that have undergone changes as a result of their being flooded with blood, ink, etc.
Other uses of UV rays
Ultraviolet radiation is used:
In show business for creating lighting effects and lighting;
In currency detectors;
In the printing industry;
In animal husbandry and agriculture;
For catching insects;
In restoration;
For chromatographic analysis.
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The harm and benefits of ultraviolet radiation
The benefit of ultraviolet rays is that they have an immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, tonic effect, and can cure many diseases.
The most well-known benefit of UV light is to provide the body with vitamin D. bone tissue... Lack of this vitamin in adults threatens with osteoporosis, in children - rickets. Vitamin D, obtained from ultraviolet radiation, does not accumulate in the body, which means that its overdose is excluded, which cannot be said about an artificially created drug.
In addition, vitamin D has many other beneficial functions. It prevents the development of breast, prostate and rectal cancers. The presence of this vitamin in blood cells stops the growth of malignant tumors and promotes their self-destruction. That is why people living in sunny areas are much less likely to suffer from such ailments.
Ultraviolet rays have a positive effect on the human immune system. Under their influence, the amount of antibodies in the blood increases, which increases the body's resistance to viruses and infections.
Small doses of ultraviolet light can protect the skin from subsequent intense exposure to sunlight. For example, a visit to the solarium is useful for those who plan to spend their holidays in hot areas or work outdoors. Melanin formed in the skin is able to absorb large doses of radiation without destroying nearby cells.
But, in addition to being useful, ultraviolet is fraught with considerable danger. The well-known sunburn is the result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Frequent sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer.
With excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, eye damage can be observed, such as burns of the eyelid, cornea, retina. Such injuries are quite dangerous, they can lead to both a temporary decrease in vision and complete blindness.
Frequent and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight ensures premature aging of the skin, and this is a completely reliable fact. Therefore, people relaxing in nature or sunbathing in a solarium must use cosmetics that protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.
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The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the human body: benefits and harms
The influence of the sun's light on a person can hardly be overestimated - under its action, the most important physiological and biochemical processes are triggered in the body. The solar spectrum is divided into infrared and visible parts, as well as the most biologically active ultraviolet part, which has a great impact on all living organisms on our planet. Ultraviolet radiation is a short-wavelength part of the solar spectrum that is imperceptible to the human eye, which has an electromagnetic character and photochemical activity.
Due to its properties, ultraviolet light is successfully used in various areas of human life. UV radiation is widely used in medicine, since it is capable of changing the chemical structure of cells and tissues, exerting various effects on humans.
UV wavelength range
The main source of UV radiation is the sun. The proportion of ultraviolet radiation in the total flow of sunlight is not constant. It depends on:
- time of day;
- season of the year;
- solar activity;
- geographical latitude;
- the state of the atmosphere.
Despite the fact that the celestial body is far from us and its activity is not always the same, a sufficient amount of ultraviolet radiation reaches the Earth's surface. But this is only its small long-wave part. Short waves are absorbed by the atmosphere at a distance of about 50 km from the surface of our planet.
The ultraviolet range of the spectrum that reaches the earth's surface is conventionally divided by wavelength into:
- far (400 - 315 nm) - UV - A rays;
- medium (315 - 280 nm) - UV - B rays;
- near (280 - 100 nm) - UV - C rays.
The effect of each UV range on the human body is different: the shorter the wavelength, the deeper it penetrates through the skin. This law determines the positive or negative effect of ultraviolet radiation on the human body.
Near-range UV radiation is the most harmful to health and carries the threat of serious illness.
UV - C rays should be scattered in the ozone layer, but due to poor ecology they reach the surface of the earth. Ultraviolet rays of the A and B range are less dangerous, with strict dosage, long and medium range radiation has a beneficial effect on the human body.
Artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation
The most significant sources of UV waves affecting the human body are: 
- bactericidal lamps - sources of UV-C waves, are used to disinfect water, air or other objects in the external environment;
- industrial welding arc - sources of all waves in the solar spectrum;
- erythemal fluorescent lamps - sources of UV waves of the A and B ranges, used for therapeutic purposes and in tanning salons;
- industrial lamps - powerful sources of ultraviolet waves used in production processes for curing paints, inks or curing polymers.
The characteristics of any UV lamp are its radiation power, wavelength range, glass type, and service life. It depends on these parameters how useful or harmful the lamp will be to humans.
Before irradiation with ultraviolet waves from artificial sources for the treatment or prevention of diseases, one should consult with a specialist to select the necessary and sufficient erythemal dose, which is individual for each person, taking into account his skin type, age, existing diseases.
It should be understood that ultraviolet is electromagnetic radiation, which has not only a positive effect on the human body.
A germicidal ultraviolet lamp used for tanning will bring significant harm rather than benefit to the body. Only a professional who is well versed in all the nuances of such devices should use artificial sources of UV radiation.
The positive effect of UV radiation on the human body
Ultraviolet radiation is widely used in the field of modern medicine. And this is not surprising, since UV rays produce analgesic, sedative, antirachitic and antispastic effects. Under their influence, there is: 
- the formation of vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium, the development and strengthening of bone tissue;
- lowering the excitability of nerve endings;
- increased metabolism, as it activates enzymes;
- vasodilation and improved blood circulation;
- stimulating the production of endorphins - "hormones of happiness";
- an increase in the speed of regenerative processes.
The beneficial effect of ultraviolet waves on the human body is also expressed in a change in its immunobiological reactivity - the body's ability to exhibit protective functions against pathogens of various diseases. Severely dosed ultraviolet radiation stimulates the production of antibodies, thereby increasing the human body's resistance to infections.
Exposure to UV rays on the skin causes a reaction called erythema (redness). There is a vasodilation, which is expressed by hyperemia and edema. The decay products formed in the skin (histamine and vitamin D) enter the bloodstream, which causes general changes in the body when exposed to UV waves.
The degree of development of erythema depends on:
- the value of the ultraviolet dose;
- range of ultraviolet rays;
- individual sensitivity.
With excessive UV irradiation, the affected area of the skin is very painful and swollen, a burn occurs with the appearance of a blister and further convergence of the epithelium.
But skin burns are far from the most serious consequences of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation on a person. Unwise use of UV rays causes pathological changes in the body.
The negative effects of UV radiation on humans
Despite its important role in medicine, the health benefits of ultraviolet radiation outweigh the benefits. Most people are not able to accurately control the therapeutic dose of ultraviolet radiation and resort to timely methods of protection, therefore, its overdose often occurs, which causes the following phenomena:
- headaches appear;
- body temperature rises;
- fatigue, apathy;
- memory impairment;
- heart palpitations;
- decreased appetite and nausea.
Excessive sunburn affects the skin, eyes, and the immune (defense) system. The perceived and visible effects of excessive UV radiation (burns of the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, dermatitis and allergic reactions) disappear within a few days. Ultraviolet radiation accumulates over a long period of time and causes very serious illnesses.
The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the skin
A beautiful even tan is the dream of every person, especially the fairer sex. But it should be understood that skin cells darken under the influence of the coloring pigment released in them - melanin in order to protect against further ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, sunburn is a protective reaction of our skin against damage to its cells by ultraviolet rays. But it does not protect the skin from the more serious effects of UV radiation: 
- Photosensitivity - increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Even a small dose of it causes severe burning, itching and sunburn of the skin. This is often associated with the use of medications or the use of cosmetics or certain foods.
- Photoaging. Spectrum A UV rays penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, damage the structure of the connective tissue, which leads to the destruction of collagen, loss of elasticity, and early wrinkles.
- Melanoma is skin cancer. The disease develops after frequent and prolonged exposure to the sun. Under the influence of an excessive dose of ultraviolet radiation, malignant formations appear on the skin or the degeneration of old moles into a cancerous tumor.
- Basal cell and squamous carcinoma is a non-melanoma skin cancer that is not fatal, but requires surgical removal of the affected areas. It is noticed that the disease occurs much more often in people who work under the open sun for a long time.
Any dermatitis or sensitization of the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation are provoking factors for the development of skin cancer.
Effect of UV waves on the eyes
Ultraviolet rays, depending on the depth of penetration, can negatively affect the state of the human eyes: 
- Photophthalmia and electrophthalmia. It is expressed in redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia. Occurs when safety rules are not followed when working with welding equipment or people who are in bright sunlight in a snow-covered area (snow blindness).
- Overgrowth of the conjunctiva of the eye (pterygium).
- Cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye) is a disease that occurs to varying degrees in the vast majority of people towards old age. Its development is associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the eyes, which accumulates throughout life.
Excess UV rays can lead to various forms of eye and eyelid cancers.
The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the immune system
If the dosed use of UV radiation helps to increase the body's defenses, then excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation suppresses the immune system. This has been proven in scientific research US scientists on the herpes virus. Ultraviolet radiation changes the activity of cells responsible for immunity in the body, they cannot restrain the multiplication of viruses or bacteria, cancer cells.
Basic safety measures and protection against exposure to ultraviolet radiation
To avoid the negative effects of UV rays on the skin, eyes and health, everyone needs protection from ultraviolet radiation. In case of forced prolonged exposure to the sun or at a workplace exposed to high doses of ultraviolet rays, it is imperative to find out if the UV radiation index is normal. In enterprises, a device called a radiometer is used for this.
When calculating the index at meteorological stations, the following is taken into account: 
- ultraviolet wavelength;
- concentration of the ozone layer;
- sun activity and other indicators.
The UV index is an indicator of the potential risk to the human body as a result of exposure to a dose of ultraviolet radiation. The index value is assessed on a scale from 1 to 11+. The norm of the UV index is considered to be no more than 2 units.
At high values of the index (6 - 11+), the risk of adverse effects on human eyes and skin increases, therefore protective measures must be taken.
- Use sunglasses (special masks for welders).
- Be sure to wear a hat in the open sun (with a very high index - a wide-brimmed hat).
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Apply sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 to areas of the body uncovered by clothing.
- Avoid being in an open, not protected from sunlight, space between noon and 4 pm.
Fulfillment of simple safety rules will reduce the harmfulness of UV radiation for humans and avoid the occurrence of diseases associated with the adverse effect of ultraviolet radiation on his body.
Who is contraindicated for ultraviolet irradiation?
The following categories of people should be careful with exposure to ultraviolet radiation: 
- with very light and sensitive skin and albinos;
- children and adolescents;
- those who have many birthmarks or nevi;
- suffering from systemic or gynecological diseases;
- those who have skin cancer among their close relatives;
- taking certain medications for a long time (consultation with a doctor is necessary).
UV radiation for such people is contraindicated even in small doses, the degree of protection from sunlight should be maximized.
The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the human body and its health cannot be unequivocally called positive or negative. Too many factors should be taken into account when it is exposed to a person in different environmental conditions and when it is emitted from different sources. The main thing is to remember the rule: any exposure to ultraviolet radiation on a person should be minimal before consulting a specialist and strictly dosed according to the doctor's recommendations after examination and examination.
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The benefits and harms of ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet rays can greatly harm human health. However, moderate exposure may even provide some benefit.
It's no secret that large quantities of ultraviolet rays can cause irreparable harm to the human body. However, for this, their action must be long-term and intense. On the contrary, if you are right under them, you can get benefits. We'll cover both.
Let's start with the fact that nowadays we have the opportunity to experience the effect of ultraviolet radiation not only on the street - many girls go to the solarium to get a dose of these rays. Naturally, the purpose of their trip is the pursuit of beauty - getting a tan, and all radiation. Only, after all, tanning is just obtained by radiation, and since it occurs very intensively in a tanning bed, the harm can be considerable if used illiterately.
Consider the danger of ultraviolet radiation:
- it leads to depletion of the protective layer of the skin and, thus, to the development of benign (moles, warts, papillomas) and malignant (melanoma, sarcoma) formations - malignant ones can lead to cancer;
- visual acuity worsens, as the retina is damaged;
- prolonged exposure to the rays helps to reduce the immunity of the whole organism - in addition to the fact that there is a general breakdown, irritability appears.
And if it is possible to cope with benign formations on the skin - for example, to remove a mole, then malignant ones can bring much greater and irreparable harm to the body. Especially susceptible to their occurrence are people who already have any formations, as well as owners of fair skin, prone to burns.
Therefore, prolonged exposure to the sun or in a solarium should be excluded. Also, do not forget that being in direct sunlight presupposes protection of the scalp - be sure to wear a hat or panama. And, of course, the skin must be protected as much as possible - use good means aimed at protecting against the penetration of ultraviolet rays.
Undoubtedly, ultraviolet light also has its advantages. They can only express themselves under the condition of a short, strictly limited stay under them. Let's list the positive aspects:
- skin disinfection occurs;
- vitamin D is intensively produced, which is involved in the formation of calcium, which is necessary for bone tissue, and has a positive effect on our mood;
- there is a strengthening of blood vessels;
- the work of the nervous system is normalized.
Thus, we can conclude that the benefits of ultraviolet radiation can manifest themselves only if certain rules for staying under it and strict time restrictions are observed. It is worth overdoing it a little - the action immediately becomes only negative.
