Quartzization of premises - features, pros and cons

A quartz lamp is a type of gas-discharge lamp in which the source of ultraviolet radiation is created by vapors of mercury or noble gases (for example, xenon) under the action of an electric field. This lamp is made of clear quartz glass, characterized by resistance to high temperatures.

As a result of the electrical discharges that occur between the electrodes, mercury atoms emit 57% of UV rays and 43% of visible light rays. This kind of medical equipment has antiseptic, bactericidal and disinfecting properties, and also enriches the air with ozone. Quartz lamps are used for therapeutic purposes and for the treatment of rooms.

The principle of operation of quartz lamps

The principle of quartzization is based on the adverse effects of UV rays on microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, mold and fungus. Depending on the wavelength, ultraviolet radiation is divided into three ranges:

1. UV-C (short – wave) - 100-280 nanometers (Nm). This is a very strong glow. In the natural environment, it is filtered through the atmospheric ozone layer.
2. UV-B – medium wave) - ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 280-315 nanometers.
3. UV-A (long – wave) - 315-400 Nm. They have a less harmful effect on the human body. Often used, for example, in tanning salons.

In the most popular quartz lamps, the radiation spectrum has a wavelength of 253.8 Nm, which corresponds to the peak of bactericidal efficiency. The main advantage of quartzization is that it is a method of reagent-free disinfection that does not require strong chemicals and kills microorganisms not only on the surfaces of objects, but also in the air. When using this method, it is worth remembering that only the correct choice of the dose of UV rays will effectively kill pathogens.

Types of lamps for room quartz coating

Germicidal lamps differ in the principle of operation of the device, the type of installation and the power of the radiators used.

1. Direct – acting lamps (NBV) - emit harmful radiation that leads to large changes in the human cellular DNA. Their use is allowed only when there is no one in the room.
2. Flow lamps (NBVE) - the mechanism of action of these devices is based on special filters that catch dust and other contaminants. The filtered air enters the disinfection chamber. Inside, it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Then he leaves the cell, entering the room. The operation of such lamps does not have a special effect on the body, and people can stay in the room. Although this is undesirable.
3. Dual-purpose flow lamps are a model that combines the two previous types. Two-function germicidal lamps with an external direct-acting emitter have an additional radiator and provide a full range of disinfecting effects. They can be used to decontaminate the air both in the presence of people and when everyone has left the room.

Depending on the type of room, you can choose one of the following models of quartz lamps: designed for hanging on the ceiling, with a wall mount or on a tripod. A convenient and practical tripod on wheels makes it easy to transport and change the lamp settings.

Scope of application of quartz lamps

The bactericidal irradiator for disinfection of premises is widely used primarily in:

• hospitals (operating rooms, dressing rooms, reception rooms, isolation rooms, patient wards);
• polyclinics (doctors ' offices and treatment rooms);
• laboratories where microbiological threats exist;
• blood transfusion points;
• pharmacies;
• hotels;
• beauty salons;
• nurseries, kindergartens, schools;
• in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

NBVE flow lamps are great for safe home use (especially in seniors ' rooms and children's rooms) during seasonal outbreaks of respiratory viral infections or influenza.

Does quartz treatment help against viruses?

Scientists conducted studies of ultraviolet radiation on various bacteria and viruses, including swine flu (H1N5) strains. The virus was successfully destroyed by irradiation in the range of 9-15 J / m2. Testing on the causative agents of coronavirus infection was also successful. It has been experimentally proven that the SARS CoV-2 virus strain is afraid of UV radiation.

To completely destroy it in the air or on the surface, you need about 67 J/m2. This radiation is generated by most quartz lamps. However, ultraviolet light does not kill the coronavirus, which has already entered the body. This statement is from the category of myths.

Is quartz formation harmful to humans?

UV radiation coming from quartz lamps in too high concentrations of ozone! very harmful to the body. If they are used incorrectly, the consequences may include:

1. Irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyeball and even a burn of the cornea.
2. Skin damage (redness, irritation, burns).
3. Poisoning by ozone released during lamp operation.
4. Prolonged and uncontrolled exposure may lead to the development of cancer.

And although quartz coating additionally disinfects the air in the room, however, when using bactericidal lamps, it is recommended to observe certain safety measures:

1. Remove people and animals from the room, remove all the flowers and close the doors.
2. At the end of the disinfection session, the room should be well ventilated.
3. Do not look at the light of a working quartz lamp.
4. It is contraindicated to sunbathe under such a lamp, as well as to sterilize your hands.

In order to get a complete disinfection of the room, the time of quartz treatment of the room should be 30-40 minutes. The used lamp should never be disposed of together with ordinary household waste, in order to avoid mercury poisoning. Accidents due to improper operation of the equipment occur quite often.