Ultraviolet radiation: application, action and protection against it. Application of ultraviolet radiation Occurs under the influence of direct ultraviolet

Oxygen, sunlight and water contained in the Earth's atmosphere are the main conditions conducive to the continuation of life on the planet. Researchers have long proven that the intensity and spectrum of solar radiation in the vacuum that exists in space remains unchanged.

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 can only distinguish one of them. Ultraviolet rays are in the spectrum invisible to humans. What are they? It is nothing but electromagnetic waves. The length of ultraviolet radiation is in the range from 7 to 14 nm. Such waves carry huge flows of thermal energy to our planet, which is why they are often called thermal waves.

By ultraviolet radiation it is customary to understand an extensive spectrum consisting of electromagnetic waves with a range conditionally divided into far and near rays. The first of them are considered vacuum. They are completely absorbed by the upper atmosphere. Under the conditions of the Earth, their generation is possible only in the conditions of vacuum chambers.

As for near ultraviolet rays, they are divided into three subgroups, classified by range into:

Long, ranging from 400 to 315 nanometers;

Medium - from 315 to 280 nanometers;

Short - from 280 to 100 nanometers.

Measuring instruments

How does a person determine ultraviolet radiation? To date, there are many special devices designed not only for professional, but also for domestic use. They measure the intensity and frequency, as well as the magnitude of the received dose of UV rays. The results allow us to assess their possible harm to the body.

UV Sources

The main "supplier" of UV rays on our planet is, of course, the Sun. However, to date, artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation have been invented by man, which are special lamp devices. Among them:

High pressure mercury-quartz lamp capable of operating in the general range of 100 to 400 nm;

Fluorescent 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 long.

The benefits of UV rays

Similar to the natural ultraviolet radiation coming from the Sun, the light produced by special devices affects the cells of plants and living organisms, changing their chemical structure. Today, researchers know only a few varieties of bacteria that can exist without these rays. The rest of the organisms, once in conditions where there is no ultraviolet radiation, will certainly die.

UV rays can have a significant impact on ongoing metabolic processes. They increase the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, which has a positive effect on the work of the central nervous system, as well as the endocrine system. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the production of vitamin D is activated. And this is the main component that promotes the absorption of calcium and prevents the development of osteoporosis and rickets.

Harm of UV rays

Harsh ultraviolet radiation, detrimental to living organisms, does not let the ozone layers in the stratosphere reach the Earth. However, rays in the middle range, reaching the surface of our planet, can cause:

Ultraviolet erythema - a severe burn of the skin;

Cataract - clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to blindness;

Melanoma is skin cancer.

In addition, ultraviolet rays can have a mutagenic effect, cause malfunctions in the immune forces, which causes oncological pathologies.

Skin lesion

Ultraviolet rays sometimes cause:

  1. Acute skin lesions. Their occurrence is facilitated by high doses of solar radiation containing mid-range rays. They act on the skin for a short time, causing erythema and acute photodermatosis.
  2. Delayed skin injury. It occurs after prolonged exposure to long-wave UV rays. These are chronic photodermatitis, solar geroderma, photoaging of the skin, the occurrence of neoplasms, ultraviolet mutagenesis, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. This list also includes herpes.

Both acute and delayed damage is sometimes caused by excessive exposure to artificial sunbathing, as well as visits to those tanning salons that use non-certified equipment or where UV lamps are not calibrated.

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 such rays can delay a healthy epidermis. To date, protection from ultraviolet radiation, in order to avoid the occurrence of malignant tumors, will require:

Limiting the time spent in the sun, which is especially important during the summer midday hours;

Wearing light, but at the same time closed clothing;

Selection of effective sunscreens.

Using the bactericidal properties of ultraviolet light

UV rays can kill fungus, as well as other microbes that are on objects, wall surfaces, floors, ceilings and in the air. In medicine, these bactericidal properties of ultraviolet radiation are widely used, and their use is appropriate. Special lamps that produce UV rays ensure the sterility of surgical and manipulation rooms. However, ultraviolet bactericidal radiation is used by doctors 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 produced. At the same time, the use of ultraviolet radiation in medicine for these purposes becomes possible due to the use of special phototherapy lamps.

A similar procedure is carried out to eliminate diseases of the skin, joints, respiratory organs, peripheral nervous system, and female genital organs. Ultraviolet light is prescribed to accelerate the healing process of wounds and to prevent rickets.

Especially effective is the use of ultraviolet radiation in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, some types of dermatitis, prurigo, porphyria, pruritis. It is worth noting that this procedure does not require anesthesia and does not cause discomfort to the patient.

The use of a lamp that produces ultraviolet allows you to get a good result in the treatment of patients who have undergone severe purulent operations. In this case, the bactericidal property of these waves also helps patients.

The use of UV rays in cosmetology

Infrared waves are actively used in the field of maintaining human beauty and health. Thus, the use of ultraviolet germicidal 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 sunburns. That is why cosmetologists recommend having several sessions in the solarium before traveling to hot countries or to the sea.

Necessary in cosmetology and special UV lamps. Thanks to them, there is a rapid polymerization of a special gel used for manicure.

Determination of electronic structures of objects

Ultraviolet radiation also finds its application 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.

The UV spectra of stars, the Sun and other planets carry information about the physical processes that occur in the hot regions of the studied space objects.

Water purification

Where else are UV rays used? Ultraviolet bactericidal radiation finds its application 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 studied quite well. So, vapors of this substance can cause poisoning. The ingestion of chlorine itself provokes the occurrence of oncological diseases. That is why ultraviolet lamps are increasingly being used to disinfect water in private homes.

UV rays are also used in swimming pools. Ultraviolet emitters to eliminate bacteria are used in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. These areas 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 emitters are installed in crowded places, such as supermarkets, airports and train stations. The use of UV radiation, which affects microorganisms, makes it possible to disinfect their habitat to the highest degree, up to 99.9%.

domestic use

Quartz lamps that produce UV rays have been disinfecting and purifying the air in clinics and hospitals for many years. However, in recent years, ultraviolet radiation has been increasingly used in everyday life. It is highly effective in eliminating organic contaminants such as fungus and mold, viruses, yeasts and bacteria. These micro-organisms spread particularly rapidly in rooms where people, for various reasons, tightly close windows and doors for a long time.

The use of a bactericidal irradiator in domestic conditions becomes advisable with a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bhousing and a large family with small children and pets. A UV lamp will allow rooms to be disinfected periodically, minimizing the risk of the onset and further transmission of diseases.

Similar devices are also used by tuberculosis patients. After all, such patients do not always receive treatment in a hospital. While at home, they need to disinfect their home, including using ultraviolet radiation.

Application in forensics

Scientists have developed a technology that allows detecting 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 in water, on fabric, and also on the skin of a suspect in a crime.

Ultraviolet and infrared radiation also finds its application in macro photography of objects with invisible and hardly visible traces of a committed offense. This allows forensic scientists to study documents and traces of a shot, texts that have undergone changes as a result of their flooding with blood, ink, etc.

Other uses of UV rays

Ultraviolet radiation is used:

In show business to create lighting effects and lighting;

In currency detectors;

In printing;

In animal husbandry and agriculture;

For catching insects;

In restoration;

For chromatographic analysis.

The concept of ultraviolet rays is first encountered by a 13th century Indian philosopher in his work. The atmosphere of the area he described Bhootakasha contained violet rays that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Shortly after infrared radiation was discovered, the German physicist Johann Wilhelm Ritter began looking for radiation at the opposite end of the spectrum, with a wavelength shorter than that of violet. In 1801, he discovered that silver chloride, which decomposes under the influence of light, is faster decomposes under the action of invisible radiation outside the violet region of the spectrum. White silver chloride darkens in the light for several minutes. Different parts of the spectrum have different effects on the darkening rate. This happens most quickly before the violet region of the spectrum. It was then agreed by many scientists, including Ritter, that light consisted of three separate components: an oxidizing or thermal (infrared) component, an illuminating component (visible light), and a reducing (ultraviolet) component. At that time, ultraviolet radiation was also called actinic radiation. The ideas about the unity of the three different parts of the spectrum were first voiced only in 1842 in the works of Alexander Becquerel, Macedonio Melloni and others.

Subtypes

Degradation of polymers and dyes

Scope of application

Black light

Chemical analysis

UV spectrometry

UV spectrophotometry is based on irradiating a substance with monochromatic UV radiation, the wavelength of which changes with time. The substance absorbs UV radiation with different wavelengths to varying degrees. The graph, on the y-axis of which the amount of transmitted or reflected radiation is plotted, and on the abscissa - the wavelength, forms a spectrum. The spectra are unique for each substance; this is the basis for the identification of individual substances in a mixture, as well as their quantitative measurement.

Mineral analysis

Many minerals contain substances that, when illuminated with ultraviolet radiation, begin to emit visible light. Each impurity glows in its own way, which makes it possible to determine the composition of a given mineral by the nature of the glow. A. A. Malakhov in his book “Interesting about Geology” (M., “Molodaya Gvardiya”, 1969. 240 s) talks about this as follows: “The unusual glow of minerals is caused by cathode, ultraviolet, and x-rays. In the world of dead stone, those minerals light up and shine most brightly, which, having fallen into the zone of ultraviolet light, tell about the smallest impurities of uranium or manganese included in the composition of the rock. Many other minerals that do not contain any impurities also flash with a strange "unearthly" color. I spent the whole day in the laboratory, where I observed the luminescent glow of minerals. Ordinary colorless calcite colored miraculously under the influence of various light sources. Cathode rays made the crystal ruby ​​red, in ultraviolet it lit up crimson red tones. Two minerals - fluorite and zircon - did not differ in x-rays. Both were green. But as soon as the cathode light was turned on, the fluorite turned purple, and the zircon turned lemon yellow.” (p. 11).

Qualitative chromatographic analysis

Chromatograms obtained by TLC are often viewed in ultraviolet light, which makes it possible to identify a number of organic substances by the color of the glow and the retention index.

Catching insects

Ultraviolet radiation is often used when catching insects in the light (often in combination with lamps emitting in the visible part of the spectrum). This is due to the fact that in most insects the visible range is shifted, compared to human vision, to the short-wavelength part of the spectrum: insects do not see what a person perceives as red, but they see soft ultraviolet light.

Faux tan and "Mountain sun"

At certain dosages, artificial tanning improves the condition and appearance of human skin, promotes the formation of vitamin D. At present, photariums are popular, which in everyday life are often called solariums.

Ultraviolet in restoration

One of the main tools of experts is ultraviolet, x-ray and infrared radiation. Ultraviolet rays allow you to determine the aging of the varnish film - a fresher varnish in the ultraviolet looks darker. In the light of a large laboratory ultraviolet lamp, restored areas and handicraft signatures appear as darker spots. X-rays are delayed by the heaviest elements. In the human body, this is bone tissue, and in the picture it is white. The basis of whitewash in most cases is lead, in the 19th century zinc began to be used, and in the 20th century titanium. These are all heavy metals. Ultimately, on the film we get the image of the bleach underpainting. Underpainting is an artist's individual "handwriting", an element of his own unique technique. For the analysis of underpainting, bases of radiographs of paintings by great masters are used. Also, these pictures are used to recognize the authenticity of the picture.

Notes

  1. ISO 21348 Process for Determining Solar Irradiances. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012.
  2. Bobukh, Evgeny On the vision of animals. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  3. Soviet Encyclopedia
  4. V. K. Popov // UFN. - 1985. - T. 147. - S. 587-604.
  5. A. K. Shuaibov, V. S. Shevera Ultraviolet nitrogen laser at 337.1 nm in the mode of frequent repetitions // Ukrainian Physics Journal. - 1977. - T. 22. - No. 1. - S. 157-158.
  6. A. G. Molchanov Lasers in the vacuum ultraviolet and X-ray regions of the spectrum // UFN. - 1972. - T. 106. - S. 165-173.
  7. V. V. Fadeev Ultraviolet lasers based on organic scintillators // UFN. - 1970. - T. 101. - S. 79-80.
  8. Ultraviolet laser // Scientific network nature.web.ru
  9. Laser Twinkles in Rare Color (Russian), Science Daily(Dec. 21, 2010). Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  10. R. V. Lapshin, A. P. Alekhin, A. G. Kirilenko, S. L. Odintsov, V. A. Krotkov (2010). "Smoothing of Nano-Roughnesses of Polymethyl Methacrylate Surface by Vacuum Ultraviolet" (PDF). Surface. X-ray, synchrotron and neutron studies(MAIK)(1): 5-16.

In the action of short-wave radiation on a living organism, the most interesting is the effect of ultraviolet rays on biopolymers - proteins and nucleic acids. 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 the chain of atoms within the molecule without significant loss until it reaches weak bonds between atoms and destroys the bond. During this process, called photolysis, fragments of molecules are formed that have a strong effect on the body. So, for example, from the amino acid histidine, histamine is formed - a substance that expands blood capillaries and increases their permeability. In addition to photolysis, denaturation occurs in biopolymers under the action of ultraviolet rays. When irradiated with light of a certain wavelength, the electric charge of molecules decreases, they stick together and lose their activity - enzymatic, hormonal, antifoam, etc.

The processes of photolysis and protein denaturation proceed in parallel and independently of each other. They are caused by different radiation ranges: 280 ... 302 nm rays cause mainly 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 most sensitive function of the cell to the action of ultraviolet rays is division. Irradiation at a dose of 10(-19) j/m 2 stops the division of about 90% of bacterial cells. But the growth and vital activity of cells does not stop. Over time, their division is restored. To cause the death of 90% of cells, suppression of the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, the formation of mutations, it is necessary to increase the radiation dose to 10 (-18) j / m 2. Ultraviolet rays cause changes in nucleic acids that affect the growth, division, heredity of cells, those. to the main manifestations of life.

The significance of the mechanism of action on nucleic acid is explained by the fact that each DNA molecule (deoxyribonucleic acid) is unique. DNA is the cell's hereditary memory. 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 a serious disruption of life.

The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the skin

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin significantly 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 intestines 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 blood serum is irradiated with UV rays, the content of serotonin, the “hormone of vivacity”, which is involved in the regulation of the emotional state, increased by 7%. 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, who also studied the effect of ultraviolet rays on the eye (photophthalmia) and found that they are based on common causes. There are caloric and ultraviolet erythema. Caloric erythema is caused by the action of visible and infrared rays on the skin and a rush of blood to it. It disappears almost immediately after the cessation of exposure to radiation.

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 irradiation depends on the penetrating power of the rays and on the thickness of the stratum corneum. The shorter the wavelength of radiation, the lower their penetrating power. Rays shorter than 310 nm do not penetrate deeper than the epidermis. Rays with a longer wavelength reach the papillary dermis, in which blood vessels pass. Thus, the interaction of ultraviolet rays with a substance occurs exclusively in the skin, mainly in the epidermis. The main amount of ultraviolet rays is absorbed in the germinal (basic) layer of the epidermis. The processes of photolysis and denaturation lead to the death of the styloid cells of the germ layer. The active products of protein photolysis cause vasodilation, skin edema, leukocyte release, and other typical signs of erythema.

Photolysis products, spreading through the bloodstream, also irritate the nerve endings of the skin and reflexively affect all organs through the central nervous system. It has been established that in the nerve extending from the irradiated area of ​​the skin, the frequency of electrical impulses increases. Erythema is considered as a complex reflex, in the occurrence of which the 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. Inhibits the formation of erythema sleep, alcohol, physical and mental fatigue. Finsen (Denmark) first used ultraviolet radiation for the treatment of a number of diseases in 1899. At present, the manifestations of the action of different sections 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 longer or shorter wavelength, the erythemal sensitivity of the skin decreases. With the help of artificial radiation sources, erythema was caused by rays in the range of 250 ... 255 nm. Rays with a wavelength of 255 nm gives the resonant emission line of mercury vapor used in mercury-quartz lamps.

Thus, the skin erythema sensitivity curve has two maxima. The depression between the two maxima is provided by the shielding action of the stratum corneum.

Ultraviolet radiation supplies energy for photochemical reactions in the body. Under normal conditions, sunlight causes the formation of a small amount of active products of photolysis, which have a beneficial effect on the body. Ultraviolet rays in doses that cause the formation of erythema enhance the work of the hematopoietic organs, the reticuloendothelial system (Physiological system of connective tissue that produces antibodies that destroy foreign bodies and microbes), the barrier properties of the skin, and eliminate allergies.

Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation in human skin, fat-soluble vitamin D is formed from steroid substances. 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, 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 promotes 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 of 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-wavelength part of the spectrum is suppressed. Solar starvation is manifested in irritability, insomnia, and rapid fatigue of a person. In large cities, where the air is polluted with dust, ultraviolet rays that cause erythema hardly reach the surface of the Earth. Long work in mines, engine rooms and closed factory floors, work at night, and sleep during 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. The color of the walls 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 in autumn, winter and spring. To compensate for the lack of ultraviolet rays, lamps, which, along with visible light, emit ultraviolet rays in the wavelength range of 300 ... 340 nm, allow. It should be borne in mind that errors in prescribing the dose of radiation, inattention to such issues as the spectral composition of ultraviolet lamps, the direction of radiation and the height of the lamps, the duration of the lamps, can be harmful instead of good.

The mechanism of the biological action of UV rays is very complex, ambiguous and not fully understood. This mechanism is based not on thermal effects, as in infrared irradiation, but on photochemical reactions that occur with biopolymers - proteins and nucleic acids. Under the action of photons knocking out electrons from molecules, the charge of protein molecules changes, which ultimately causes protein denaturation. Irradiation also leads to photolysis, i.e., the formation of "fragments" of large molecules with high biological activity (histamine, acetylcholine, etc.). Photolysis is caused by photons with wavelengths predominantly in the erythemal zone, and denaturation - with wavelengths in the bactericidal zone.

Changes that occur with nucleic acids, with DNA molecules, affect the life processes of cells, their growth and division, and can lead to the death of cells and unicellular organisms - bacteria. Depending on the wavelength and on their structure, different bacteria have different sensitivity to radiation. Thus, the death of the greatest number of staphylococci occurs at wavelengths of the order of 265 nm, E. coli - at 251 nm, etc. Ultraviolet rays also cause the destruction of viruses and bacteriophages, they neutralize some bacterial toxins (for example, cobra venom) and a number of other toxic substances. However, a fairly large dose of radiation is required for cell death. Thus, for the death of one E. coli cell, an average of 2 106 photons is needed.

The bactericidal effect of UV irradiation is used to disinfect indoor air. Such sanitation of the air environment is used in operating rooms and dressing rooms, which dramatically increases surgical asepsis. The bactericidal effect of UV irradiation is widely used in industrial poultry farming, since due to the high concentration of livestock, there is a danger of aerogenic infections due to microbial air pollution in poultry houses. Bactericidal irradiation for the sanitation of the air environment when growing chickens showed that air irradiation 3 times a day for 5–25 minutes leads to a significant increase in the safety of chickens and an increase in live weight compared to chickens in control rooms. Ultraviolet irradiation for the purpose of disinfection is subjected to the supply and exhaust air of insulators, quarantine and other premises in livestock complexes. In addition to the disinfecting effect, UV irradiation improves the ionic composition of the air (increases the concentration of light air ions), reduces the amount of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. During the operation of UV radiation sources, ozone is formed, which acts as an oxidizer for the gaseous components of the exhaust air of livestock buildings, which have a bad smell.

The action of ultraviolet begins with its absorption in the skin. In order for radiation to cause biological effects, it must penetrate deeper than the stratum corneum of the skin, into the germinal layer of the epidermis, adjacent to the actual skin (dermis), in which blood vessels and nerves pass. A person has rays with a length; waves less than 300 nm do not penetrate deeper than the epidermis (~0.5 mm). It is in the germinal layer of the epidermis that a complex chain of biochemical reactions and physiological processes caused by ultraviolet begins. One of the most important reactions is the formation of histamine during the decarboxylation of the heterocyclic amino acid histidine.

Histamine, along with other "fragments" of molecules, is carried through the blood and lymphatic vessels. Histamine is a substance that dilates blood vessels, resulting in hyperemia, i.e., an increase in blood supply to the irradiated part of the organ. With active hyperemia, erythema occurs1, the formation of which requires a certain intensity of radiation. Thus, the threshold value of the intensity of ultraviolet with a wavelength of 296.7 nm is 335 W/m2.

Skin response to radiation pigmentation (sunburn). The skin pigment melanin is concentrated in the lowest layers of the epidermis. Rays penetrating the stratum corneum with a wavelength of 200–250 nm cause only erythema; radiation with a wavelength of 250–270 nm passes through the stratum corneum, causing pigmentation and erythema; even more abundant pigmentation and erythema is caused by radiation with a wavelength of 270–320 nm, which penetrates to the vascular layer and stimulates the work of the fatty glands and nerve endings. Finally, radiation at a wavelength of 320–390 nm passes through the dermis, resulting in pigmentation, often without prior erythema. The role of pigmentation, as well as the mechanism of pigmentation, has not yet been studied enough. It is possible that melanin retains the active fragments of the destroyed molecules, preventing them from entering the blood. The action of ultraviolet irradiation is not limited to the skin, despite the fact that it does not penetrate deep into the body. The products of photolysis, spreading through the capillaries, irritate the nerve endings of the skin and through the central nervous system affect all organs to one degree or another. It has been established that in the nerves extending from the irradiated areas of the skin, the frequency of electrical impulses increases. The effect of irradiation is enhanced if the skin is pre-moistened with water, irradiated with a high-frequency electric field or ultrasound. This once again indicates that the primary effect of ultraviolet irradiation begins in the skin and is accompanied by a general increase in metabolism and an increase in the immunobiological state of the body, and this, in turn, leads to an acceleration of the processes of resorption of pathological products and tissue regeneration.

Of the other biological effects of ultraviolet radiation, it should be noted the formation of vitamin D, which promotes absorption from the intestines and the absorption of calcium, which is part of the bones and performs a number of essential physiological functions. With a lack of vitamin D, calcium, which is part of the food, is not absorbed and the need for it is replenished by bone calcium, and this leads to rickets. In children with rickets, the formation of the skeleton is disturbed, the bones become flexible, the children stop walking and grow. Vitamin D can also be formed in the body itself under the influence of ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths from 280 to 315 nm. The most effective combined irradiation with ultraviolet, infrared rays and visible light.

Photohemotherapy. In diseases accompanied by an increase in blood viscosity, the method of photohemotherapy is used to reduce blood viscosity. It consists in the fact that a small amount of blood (about 2 ml / kg of weight) is taken from the patient, subjected to UV irradiation and injected back into the bloodstream. Approximately 5 minutes after the administration of 100-200 ml of irradiated blood to patients, a significant decrease in viscosity is observed in the entire volume (about 5 liters) of circulating blood. Studies of the dependence of viscosity on the speed of blood movement have shown that during photohemotherapy, viscosity decreases the most (by about 30%) in slow moving blood and does not change at all in fast moving blood. UV irradiation causes a decrease in the ability of erythrocytes to aggregate and increases the deformability of erythrocytes. In addition, there is a decrease in the formation of blood clots. All these phenomena lead to a significant improvement in both macro- and microcirculation of the blood.

Recent studies have shown the promise of ultraviolet autohemotherapy, i.e. blood irradiation in order to stimulate the protective properties of the body in various internal diseases, as well as in symptomatic infertility. Blood for irradiation is mixed with an anticoagulant, irradiated in quartz cuvettes and injected back into the same person's blood vessel.

Therapeutic use of UV radiation. In rehabilitation physiotherapeutic methods, ultraviolet radiation of the long-wave (A), medium-wave (B), short-wave (C) ranges is widely used. When quanta of ultraviolet radiation are absorbed in tissues (in the skin), various photochemical and photobiological reactions occur.

Irradiation is created by artificial sources: high-pressure lamps (arc mercury tubular), fluorescent lamps, low-pressure gas discharge lamps, one of the varieties of which are bactericidal lamps. Sources are divided into integral, which emit all regions of the spectrum, and selective, which create radiation predominantly in one region.

Longwave irradiation(primarily erythemal and tanning action). It is used in the treatment of many dermatological diseases. Some chemical compounds of the furocoumarin series (for example, psoralen) can sensitize the skin of these patients to long-wave ultraviolet radiation and stimulate the formation of melanin pigment in melanocytes. The combined use of these drugs and subsequent exposure to long-wave ultraviolet radiation is the basis of a treatment method called photochemotherapy or PUVA therapy (PUVA: P - psoralen, UVA - ultraviolet radiation of zone A). In this case, part or all of the body is exposed to radiation.

Medium wave exposure(mainly vitamin-forming, anti-rachitis effect).

shortwave irradiation(mainly bactericidal action). Under its influence, the structure of microorganisms and fungi is destroyed. It is created using mercury-quartz bactericidal lamps, fig. 30.8a. Irradiators are used (Fig. 30.85) for local irradiation of the nasal mucosa, tonsils.

In some techniques, shortwave radiation is used to irradiate the blood.

Ultraviolet starvation. Many people are under conditions of insufficient exposure. These are residents of the Far North, the Arctic, workers in the mining industry, the subway, windowless industries, residents of large cities. In cities, the lack of sunlight is associated with air pollution with dust, smoke, gases, which mainly block the UV part of the solar spectrum. Indoors, window glass does not transmit UV rays with a wavelength l< 310 нм. Резко снижают УФ поток загрязненные стекла, занавеси (тюлевые занавески снижают УФ излучение на 20%). Поэтому на многих производствах и в быту наблюдается так называемая «биологическая полутьма». В первую очередь страдают дети (возрастает вероятность заболевания рахитом). Поэтому для организации освещения всегда необходимо проводить санитарно-реабилитологические мероприятия.

The dangers of ultraviolet radiation. Along with the positive biological effects of this radiation on the body, the negative aspects of irradiation should also be noted. First of all, this refers to the consequences of uncontrolled sunbathing: burns, age spots, eye damage - the development of photophthalmia. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the eye is similar to erythema, since it is associated with the decomposition of proteins in the cells of the cornea and mucous membranes of the eye. Living human skin cells are protected from the destructive action of UV rays by "dead" cells of the stratum corneum of the skin. The eyes are deprived of this protection, therefore, with a significant dose of eye irradiation, inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) and the mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctivitis) develops after a latent period. This effect is due to radiation with a wavelength shorter than 310 nm. The blastomogenic effect of UV radiation, which leads to the development of skin cancer, deserves special consideration. Skin cancer is common in all peoples of the globe living in different climatic conditions.

The harmful effect of UV radiation on the eyes should also be noted, since the mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctiva) does not have a protective stratum corneum, and therefore the eye is more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation than the skin. Ultraviolet rays, reaching the lens, at certain doses cause its clouding - a cataract. Therefore, all work with ultraviolet light must be carried out in protective glasses.

With UV irradiation, even at the time of receiving a dangerous dose, a person does not feel anything. The skin lacks specialized UV receptors. This radiation is not perceived by the eye, the thermal effect is so small that a person practically does not feel it.

It has been established that the action of UV radiation is the main factor causing skin cancer, as well as cataracts (clouding of the lens). For polar explorers, climbers, UV radiation is dangerous because of the high intensity of this radiation, sunburns of the skin and eyes appear.

Lack of UV can lead to D-avitaminosis. UV can cause positive effects. So, in patients with skin dermatoses (for example, psoriasis), the diseases become aggravated in winter, and improvement occurs in summer. The reason is the therapeutic effect of UV, which is much greater in the spectrum of sunlight in summer than in winter.

Tanning is often recommended as a rehabilitation method for many diseases. The action of UV radiation causes hyperpigmentation of the skin, which causes sunburn. Sunburn is a "delayed" photobiological process. It begins to develop 2-3 days after irradiation, reaches a maximum at 13-21 days and then fades away within a few months. The action spectrum of sunburn is similar to that of erythema. Ultraviolet light triggers a complex chain of melanin skin pigment biosynthesis in specialized cells - melanocytes. The appearance of melanin is a protective reaction of the body.

Sunburn should not be abused. Once on the beach in the spring, a person should not forget that our skin has lost melanin protection during the winter. The minimum UV dose that triggers melanogenesis is about half the minimum erythema dose. Therefore, in the first days you should sunbathe for a very short time, so that erythema does not yet occur, and the formation of pigment has already been initiated. And only after a few days, having accumulated melanin in the skin, you can gradually increase the time spent under the sun. After the appearance of sunburn, one should not abuse exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet (especially UV-B) causes a number of undesirable effects: premature aging of the skin occurs, wrinkles appear on exposed areas of the body, and skin cancer can develop.

UV radiation initiates the suppression of cell-mediated immunity - immunosuppression.

In medicine, UV is widely used in the method of photohemotherapy used in diseases associated with an increase in blood viscosity.

The large doses of UV (especially UV-B) that a person can receive are associated with the state of the atmosphere, in particular, with ozone holes in the atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone defines the short-wave boundary of the solar ultraviolet. The destruction of ozone occurs, in particular, when fluorocarbon compounds are released into the atmosphere, which are widely used in industrial and domestic refrigerators, as well as in the manufacture of aerosols. The scheme of the protective effect of the ozone layer and the process of its destruction by nitric oxide NO are shown in Fig..

Rice. Scheme of the protective effect of the ozone layer (a) and the process of its destruction by nitric oxide NO (b); dark arrows - thermal radiation, light arrows - UV radiation

The destruction of ozone is due to the fact that the nitrogen atoms in the pollutant gas molecules strongly interact with one of the oxygen atoms in the ozone molecule and detach it from it. As a result, oxygen is formed, through which UV radiation passes unhindered.

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 can only distinguish one of them. Ultraviolet rays are in the spectrum invisible to humans. What are they? It is nothing but electromagnetic waves. The length of ultraviolet radiation is in the range from 7 to 14 nm. Such waves carry huge flows of thermal energy to our planet, which is why they are often called thermal waves.

By ultraviolet radiation it is customary to understand an extensive spectrum consisting of electromagnetic waves with a range conditionally divided into far and near rays. The first of them are considered vacuum. They are completely absorbed by the upper atmosphere. Under the conditions of the Earth, their generation is possible only in the conditions of vacuum chambers.

As for near ultraviolet rays, they are divided into three subgroups, classified by range into:

Long, ranging from 400 to 315 nanometers;

Medium - from 315 to 280 nanometers;

Short - from 280 to 100 nanometers.

Measuring instruments

How does a person determine ultraviolet radiation? To date, there are many special devices designed not only for professional, but also for domestic use. They measure the intensity and frequency, as well as the magnitude of the received dose of UV rays. The results allow us to assess their possible harm to the body.

UV Sources

The main "supplier" of UV rays on our planet is, of course, the Sun. However, to date, artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation have been invented by man, which are special lamp devices. Among them:

High pressure mercury-quartz lamp capable of operating in the general range of 100 to 400 nm;

Fluorescent 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 long.

The benefits of UV rays

Similar to the natural ultraviolet radiation coming from the Sun, the light produced by special devices affects the cells of plants and living organisms, changing their chemical structure. Today, researchers know only a few varieties of bacteria that can exist without these rays. The rest of the organisms, once in conditions where there is no ultraviolet radiation, will certainly die.

UV rays can have a significant impact on ongoing metabolic processes. They increase the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, which has a positive effect on the work of the central nervous system, as well as the endocrine system. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the production of vitamin D is activated. And this is the main component that promotes the absorption of calcium and prevents the development of osteoporosis and rickets.

Harm of UV rays

Harsh ultraviolet radiation, detrimental to living organisms, does not let the ozone layers in the stratosphere reach the Earth. However, rays in the middle range, reaching the surface of our planet, can cause:

Ultraviolet erythema - a severe burn of the skin;

Cataract - clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to blindness;

Melanoma is skin cancer.

In addition, ultraviolet rays can have a mutagenic effect, cause malfunctions in the immune forces, which causes oncological pathologies.

Skin lesion

Ultraviolet rays sometimes cause:

  1. Acute skin lesions. Their occurrence is facilitated by high doses of solar radiation containing mid-range rays. They act on the skin for a short time, causing erythema and acute photodermatosis.
  2. Delayed skin injury. It occurs after prolonged exposure to long-wave UV rays. These are chronic photodermatitis, solar geroderma, photoaging of the skin, the occurrence of neoplasms, ultraviolet mutagenesis, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. This list also includes herpes.

Both acute and delayed damage is sometimes caused by excessive exposure to artificial sunbathing, as well as visits to those tanning salons that use non-certified equipment or where UV lamps are not calibrated.

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 such rays can delay a healthy epidermis. To date, protection from ultraviolet radiation, in order to avoid the occurrence of malignant tumors, will require:

Limiting the time spent in the sun, which is especially important during the summer midday hours;

Wearing light, but at the same time closed clothing;

Selection of effective sunscreens.

Using the bactericidal properties of ultraviolet light

UV rays can kill fungus, as well as other microbes that are on objects, wall surfaces, floors, ceilings and in the air. In medicine, these bactericidal properties of ultraviolet radiation are widely used, and their use is appropriate. Special lamps that produce UV rays ensure the sterility of surgical and manipulation rooms. However, ultraviolet bactericidal radiation is used by doctors 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 produced. At the same time, the use of ultraviolet radiation in medicine for these purposes becomes possible due to the use of special phototherapy lamps.

A similar procedure is carried out to eliminate diseases of the skin, joints, respiratory organs, peripheral nervous system, and female genital organs. Ultraviolet light is prescribed to accelerate the healing process of wounds and to prevent rickets.

Especially effective is the use of ultraviolet radiation in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, some types of dermatitis, prurigo, porphyria, pruritis. It is worth noting that this procedure does not require anesthesia and does not cause discomfort to the patient.

The use of a lamp that produces ultraviolet allows you to get a good result in the treatment of patients who have undergone severe purulent operations. In this case, the bactericidal property of these waves also helps patients.

The use of UV rays in cosmetology

Infrared waves are actively used in the field of maintaining human beauty and health. Thus, the use of ultraviolet germicidal 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 sunburns. That is why cosmetologists recommend having several sessions in the solarium before traveling to hot countries or to the sea.

Necessary in cosmetology and special UV lamps. Thanks to them, there is a rapid polymerization of a special gel used for manicure.

Determination of electronic structures of objects

Ultraviolet radiation also finds its application 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.

The UV spectra of stars, the Sun and other planets carry information about the physical processes that occur in the hot regions of the studied space objects.

Water purification

Where else are UV rays used? Ultraviolet bactericidal radiation finds its application 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 studied quite well. So, vapors of this substance can cause poisoning. The ingestion of chlorine itself provokes the occurrence of oncological diseases. That is why ultraviolet lamps are increasingly being used to disinfect water in private homes.

UV rays are also used in swimming pools. Ultraviolet emitters to eliminate bacteria are used in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. These areas 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 emitters are installed in crowded places, such as supermarkets, airports and train stations. The use of UV radiation, which affects microorganisms, makes it possible to disinfect their habitat to the highest degree, up to 99.9%.

domestic use

Quartz lamps that produce UV rays have been disinfecting and purifying the air in clinics and hospitals for many years. However, in recent years, ultraviolet radiation has been increasingly used in everyday life. It is highly effective in eliminating organic contaminants such as fungus and mold, viruses, yeasts and bacteria. These micro-organisms spread particularly rapidly in rooms where people, for various reasons, tightly close windows and doors for a long time.

The use of a bactericidal irradiator in domestic conditions becomes advisable with a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bhousing and a large family with small children and pets. A UV lamp will allow rooms to be disinfected periodically, minimizing the risk of the onset and further transmission of diseases.

Similar devices are also used by tuberculosis patients. After all, such patients do not always receive treatment in a hospital. While at home, they need to disinfect their home, including using ultraviolet radiation.

Application in forensics

Scientists have developed a technology that allows detecting 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 in water, on fabric, and also on the skin of a suspect in a crime.

Ultraviolet and infrared radiation also finds its application in macro photography of objects with invisible and hardly visible traces of a committed offense. This allows forensic scientists to study documents and traces of a shot, texts that have undergone changes as a result of their flooding with blood, ink, etc.

Other uses of UV rays

Ultraviolet radiation is used:

In show business to create lighting effects and lighting;

In currency detectors;

In printing;

In animal husbandry and agriculture;

For catching insects;

In restoration;

For chromatographic analysis.

It is well known that in sunlight 40% of the spectrum is visible light, 50% is infrared radiation and 10% is ultraviolet. Ultraviolet radiation- electromagnetic radiation invisible to the eye, occupying the region between the lower limit of the visible spectrum and the upper limit of X-ray radiation, wavelength from 100 to 400 nm.

Conventionally, it is divided into 3 parts 315 - 400 nm - long-wave - UV-A, 280 - 315 nm - medium-wave - UV-B and 100 - 280 nm - short-wave - UV-C. Shortwave, hard radiation is completely blocked by the ozone layer of the earth's atmosphere. Most of the medium wave radiation is also trapped and scattered by water vapor and atmospheric dust (not just the ozone layer). Thus, rays A and a small part (10%) of rays B reach the surface of the Earth. Their action is different, but in moderate doses it is definitely beneficial for humans. Moreover, with a prolonged lack of light, "solar starvation" develops.

The benefits of ultraviolet

1. Everyone knows that ultraviolet light is necessary for the formation of vitamin D, which, in turn, is involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. This is important not only for the formation of bone tissue, phosphorus is part of phospholipids, and they are involved in the construction of membranes of all body cells. True, doctors have calculated that in order to produce the required amount of vitamin D, it is enough to show the sun to the hands and face for 15 minutes. per day, i.e. the deficit does not threaten us (theoretically).

2. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the content of serotonin in the blood increases, and the mood of a person depends on it, it is called the “hormone of joy”. And it’s true that for months gray clouds crawl across the sky in winter, it’s dark from morning to evening, and now many have become limp, irritation rises in the soul, apathy rolls in, there is not enough light.

3. Undoubtedly, moderate doses of UV radiation have a beneficial effect on the immune system.

4. And finally, no one has yet canceled the bactericidal action of UV radiation.

In relation to tanning, it seems to be a side effect. Here it is: UV-A easily penetrates the skin and deeply, they cause a darkening of the already prepared melanin. This tan is fast and unstable. UV-A does not cause burns, but initiate the process of photoaging of the skin. UV-B stimulates the production of new melanin and its subsequent darkening. This tan takes longer and lasts longer, but UV-B can cause burns, and this is already harmful.

UV damage

1. Already said - burns occur when receiving a large dose in a short time.

2. Negative effect on immunity with prolonged, frequent, constant exposure to the sun. An example can be cited as confirmation - after persistent sunbathing, herpes often occurs, i.e. the virus is activated, and immunity, alas! But it does not matter, the trouble is when, after arriving from distant hot countries, in women over the age of forty, a rapid growth of uterine fibroids or just its occurrence is found.

An example from personal life. I was 32 years old, I returned from a boarding house 14 km from Batumi, fell ill with ARVI and received a serious complication - stem encephalitis, 3 months of bed rest and a month of recovery. Having lain so much, it is not immediately possible to walk, for some time the earth caved in and swayed. This, of course, is a lyric, but don't you have similar examples among your acquaintances?

3. Hard ultraviolet radiation provokes the appearance of skin tumors, malignant tumors.

If we consider the impact of solar radiation on cancer, then in this area the sun causes double harm: it damages the DNA of cells and impairs the body's ability to repair the damage.

Therefore, if you enjoy sunbathing, it would be wise not to stay in the sun for long periods of time, especially after 11 a.m. and before 4 p.m. when ultraviolet light is at its strongest. Think about it, because your health, and in some cases your life, depends on it.

It is difficult to overestimate the influence of the sun's light on a person - under its action, the most important physiological and biochemical processes are launched 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-wave 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 is successfully used in various areas of human life. UV radiation has received wide use in medicine, since it is able to change the chemical structure of cells and tissues, having a different effect on humans.

UV wavelength range

The main source of UV radiation is the sun. The share of ultraviolet in the total flow of sunlight is not constant. It depends on:

  • time of day;
  • time of year;
  • solar activity;
  • geographic 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 reaches the Earth's surface. But this is only its small long-wavelength 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, which reaches the earth's surface, is conditionally 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 most adversely affects health and carries the risk of serious illnesses.

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 range A and B are less dangerous, with strict dosing, radiation of the far and medium range 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, used to disinfect water, air or other environmental objects;
  • arc of industrial welding - sources of all waves of the solar spectrum;
  • erythemal fluorescent lamps - sources of UV waves of the A and B range, used for therapeutic purposes and in solariums;
  • industrial lamps are powerful sources of ultraviolet waves used in manufacturing processes to cure paints, inks or cure polymers.

The characteristics of any UV lamp are the power of its radiation, the range of the wave spectrum, the type of glass, the service life. From these parameters depends on how the lamp will be useful or harmful 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 bactericidal ultraviolet lamp used for tanning will bring significant harm, not 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, because UV rays produce analgesic, soothing, anti-rachitic and anti-spastic effects. Under their influence occurs:

  • the formation of vitamin D, necessary for the absorption of calcium, the development and strengthening of bone tissue;
  • decreased excitability of nerve endings;
  • increased metabolism, because it causes the activation of enzymes;
  • vasodilation and improved blood circulation;
  • stimulating the production of endorphins - "happiness hormones";
  • 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 show protective functions against pathogens of various diseases. Strictly dosed ultraviolet irradiation stimulates the production of antibodies, thereby increasing the resistance of the human body to infections.

Exposure to UV rays on the skin causes a reaction - erythema (redness). There is an expansion of blood vessels, expressed by hyperemia and swelling. 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:

  • UV dose values;
  • range of ultraviolet rays;
  • individual sensitivity.

With excessive UV exposure, 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. The unreasonable use of UV rays causes pathological changes in the body.

The negative impact of UV radiation on humans

Despite its important role in medicine, The health risks of UV radiation outweigh the benefits.. Most people are not able to accurately control the therapeutic dose of ultraviolet radiation and resort to protective methods in a timely manner, therefore, its overdose often occurs, which causes the following phenomena:

  • headaches appear;
  • body temperature rises;
  • fatigue, apathy;
  • memory impairment;
  • cardiopalmus;
  • loss of appetite and nausea.

Excessive tanning damages the skin, eyes, and immune (defense) system. Perceived and visible effects of excessive UV exposure (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 diseases.

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 exposure to ultraviolet radiation. That's why tanning is a protective reaction of our skin to damage to its cells by ultraviolet rays. But it does not protect the skin from the more serious effects of UV radiation:

  1. Photosensitivity - increased susceptibility to ultraviolet light. Even a small dose of it causes severe burning, itching and sunburn of the skin. Often this is due to the use of medications or the use of cosmetics or certain foods.
  2. 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.
  3. Melanoma - 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 old moles degenerate into a cancerous tumor.
  4. Basal cell and squamous carcinoma is a non-melanoma skin cancer that is not fatal, but requires surgical removal of affected areas. It has been noticed that the disease occurs much more often in people who work under the open sun for a long time.

Any dermatitis or skin sensitization phenomena under the influence of ultraviolet radiation are provoking factors for the development of skin cancer.

The effect of UV waves on the eyes

Ultraviolet rays, depending on the depth of penetration, can also adversely affect the condition of the human eye:

  1. Photophthalmia and electrophthalmia. It is expressed in redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia. Occurs when safety regulations are not observed when working with welding equipment or in people who are in bright sunlight in a snow-covered space (snow blindness).
  2. Growth of the conjunctiva of the eye (pterygium).
  3. Cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye) is a disease that occurs to varying degrees in the vast majority of people in old age. Its development is associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the eye, which accumulates over a lifetime.

Excess UV rays can lead to various forms of eye and eyelid cancer.

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 light depresses the immune system. This has been proven in scientific studies by US scientists on the herpes virus. Ultraviolet radiation changes the activity of cells responsible for immunity in the body, they cannot restrain the reproduction of viruses or bacteria, cancer cells.

Basic precautions for safety and protection against exposure to ultraviolet radiation

To avoid the negative effects of UV rays on the skin, eyes and health, every person needs protection from ultraviolet radiation. When forced to stay in the sun for a long time or at a workplace exposed to high doses of ultraviolet rays, it is imperative to find out if the UV 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:

  • wavelength of the ultraviolet range;
  • concentration of the ozone layer;
  • solar 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 evaluated on a scale from 1 to 11+. The norm of the UV index is considered to be no more than 2 units.

High index values ​​(6-11+) increase the risk of adverse effects on human eyes and skin, so protective measures must be taken.

  1. Use sunglasses (special masks for welders).
  2. In the open sun, you should definitely wear a hat (with a very high index - a wide-brimmed hat).
  3. Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
  4. On uncovered areas of the body wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
  5. Avoid being outdoors, not protected from sunlight, space from noon to 4 pm.

The implementation of simple safety rules will reduce the harmfulness of UV radiation to humans and avoid the occurrence of diseases associated with the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation on the body.

Who should not be exposed to ultraviolet light?

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 had skin cancer among close relatives;
  • taking certain medications for a long time (a doctor's consultation is necessary).

UV radiation is contraindicated for such people even in small doses, the degree of protection from sunlight should be maximum.

The influence 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 affects a person in different environmental conditions and radiation from various sources. The main thing to remember is the rule: any human exposure to ultraviolet light should be kept to a minimum before consultation with a specialist and strictly dosed according to the doctor's recommendations after examination and examination.

In spring, nature wakes up, and people say goodbye to winter depressions. And the main reason for this is the warmer and longer days that the Sun gives to those around us - the main natural source of ultraviolet radiation on Earth. Namely, ultraviolet 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 the home today is becoming an excellent solution for many.

The essence of home ultraviolet lamps.

An ultraviolet lamp for the home is a kind of lighting lamps 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-rays.
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 contribute to 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 sufficient amounts 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 of this, the skeleton becomes brittle, teeth can begin to crumble, nails 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 benefit 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 considered lamps, including a fluorescent ultraviolet lamp.

Additionally, the following useful properties of such lamps can be noted:

General immune 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 decontamination and disinfection of the premises

All UV lamps have this effect, contributing to the destruction of pathogenic bacteria in a house or apartment and other harmful microorganisms.

Development of human skin resistance 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. Under the conditions of the temperate zone, these animals experience stress and provoke the occurrence of a number of diseases, often with a fatal outcome. Additional artificial UV radiation completely helps to solve this problem.

Are UV lamps harmful?

To the question: is the ultraviolet lamp that is 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 solar radiation consumed. And it is dangerous, exclusively, uncontrolled being under the scorching Sun. With lamps, this is completely excluded. The fact is that the amount of radiation that a home ultraviolet lamp gives is minimal (much lower than the sun), and, therefore, completely safe for health.

Their positive effect is noticeable, as a rule, only after a few months. In this regard, special ultraviolet lamps for treatment are used for therapy, allowing to achieve a therapeutic result after two to three days of use. Such procedures can be carried out only for the intended purpose and under the guidance of a qualified specialist.

In conclusion, it must be said how to choose ultraviolet lamps. For general purposes and prevention, emphasis should be placed 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.

Source:

The use of ultraviolet radiation in medicine, everyday life, educational institutions includes the 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 provides a reduction in 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 irradiation simultaneously with ozonation in commercial premises, food warehouses makes it possible to preserve the freshness of food products, prevent the processes of decay and the development of harmful microflora.

Quartz indoorsThe principle of operation of the lamp

A quartz lamp is an electric gas-discharge mercury device with a flask consisting of quartz glass. When heated, the lamp begins to emit ultraviolet light. This radiation actively fights against harmful bacteria and microbes.

However, ultraviolet rays do not penetrate deep into furniture or through wall plaster, they only kill germs on the surface. Different types of microorganisms require different intensity and duration of operation of disinfecting devices.

First of all, rods and cocci die under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, and fungi, spore bacteria and protozoa are the most resistant during irradiation. Carrying out quartzization gives a positive result in the fight against the influenza virus. After 20 minutes from the start of the device, the room becomes practically sterile.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in the repair, maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

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Attention! During the operation of a quartz lamp, oxygen is ionized, due to which it turns into ozone. In high concentration, this gas is poisonous to all living organisms. Therefore, while the quartzizer is working, the room should be empty. A person, along with 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 necessary to ventilate the room.

Airing after quartzing is a mandatory content Features of quartzing

For the use of a quartzizer for disinfecting purposes, in accordance with regulatory sanitary requirements, an indicator of bactericidal effectiveness 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 are established.

Since direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation on human skin and eyes is dangerous, the following quartzing rules are required:

  • First of all, make sure that there are no people, plants and other living things in the room before decontaminating.
  • Depending on the size of the room and the number of operating quartz devices, the required exposure time and operating mode are set.
  • During quartzing, a sign with the inscription "Do not enter" is turned on at the entrance to the room. After the session ends, the light board turns off.

Quartzization 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 passage. After disinfection, the air is again sent to the room.

Special cabinets are used to disinfect medical instruments, cutlery, dishes, children's toys and other items. There are lattice shelves inside. This design allows for the irradiation of processed objects with ultraviolet light from all sides.

Before using a quartzizer at home, consult your family doctor. There are a number of diseases in which quartz air disinfection is prohibited.

Household Quartz Lamp Option

When using a quartz lamp, the following precautions must be observed:

  • Use of protective goggles. They will protect your eyes from burns.
  • It is forbidden to look at the working lamp, touch the heated surfaces of the device.
  • You can not sit next to a working light bulb.
  • It is forbidden to sunbathe under bactericidal ultraviolet lamps.
  • Exposure of radiation to open areas of the skin is not allowed - this leads to burns, dangerous skin diseases, including cancer.
  • Do not disinfect the room if there is a sick person with a high body temperature in the house.
  • Observe fire safety when using appliances.
  • If a specific smell of ozone is felt after quartzing, be sure to ventilate the room.

At home, use quartz irradiators with extreme caution. Ultraviolet radiation can destroy not only harmful microbes, but also cells of the human body. Do not forget to replace the lamps in a timely manner.

In the event of ineffective air disinfection with a poor quality lamp, as well as in the event of a 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 alert the following aspects:

  • The device does not turn on.
  • The timer is broken - the lamp does not turn off on time.
  • The device is blinking.
  • The ends of the lamp darkened.
  • An unpleasant smell is felt near the device, as if something is burning.
  • The device makes noise during operation.

Compact device for home use

How to deal with a faulty device?

If you suspect that the device is malfunctioning, immediately disconnect it from the power supply. Do not attempt to repair the lamp yourself and do not open the cabinet. If the device is under warranty, take it to a service center. If the warranty period has expired, find a quartz lamp repair specialist.

If the lamp accidentally breaks, then there will already be not only vapors in the room, but also small droplets of mercury. If this happens, then you will need to demercurize the room.

Quartz lamp: harm and benefit

The benefits of an ultraviolet lamp for disinfecting rooms are undeniable. Are there any downsides to this device?

In this context, the following nuances can be mentioned. Potential harm is possible when:

  • the lamp is not used for its intended purpose;
  • instructions and precautions are not followed;
  • there are contraindications for health reasons among family members;
  • wrong lamp.

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:

  • Eye burn.
  • Skin burn.
  • Melanoma is cancer.

Burn with a quartz lamp

The danger is 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, you should not be in the room where disinfection takes 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 a dwelling is harmful to the human body. Even a child's body must independently form its own 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 in the house, one of the household members falls ill with an infectious pathology, and the season of colds begins outside the window, then quartzing will be very useful here.

Quartz lamps are of two types:

  • Ozone (open).
  • Ozone-free (closed).

Apparatuses 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 deserve special attention, combining the advantages of open and closed devices. With their help, direct irradiation of space is carried out (when an open lamp is turned on) and scattered (when a shielded device is operating). Lamps for direct and reflected radiation have separate switches and can work independently of each other.

What should be considered when choosing?

When choosing a quartz irradiator, consider the lamp power and the size of the room:

  • 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 enclosed spaces: in a refrigerator, cabinet, medicine box, then pay attention to the size of the lamp. For this, a compact model is best suited. 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.
  • Ceiling.
  • Mobile or portable.
  • Wall-ceiling.

When buying a lamp, give preference to trusted manufacturers. Do not buy devices on the market from street vendors who do not even provide a guarantee for their products.

Summing up, it should be noted that bactericidal devices are used to disinfect surfaces and indoor air. They have become an effective tool for disinfecting drinking water, sterilizing objects and tools. A properly selected lamp is able to neutralize viruses, infectious agents, fungi, spores and mold, preventing their reproduction. To ensure 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 is noted that people living in countries where there is more natural light, due to location and climate, are happier compared to, for example, northern countries, where there can be bad weather and overcast 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 lack of solar heat, a lack of ultraviolet rays. City dwellers are rarely in the fresh air, but progress does not stand still and meets the difficulties that arise, responding with simple technical solutions.

An ultraviolet lamp is a device that emits in a range invisible to the eye, between the x-ray and violet spectrum.

Ultraviolet lamp: benefits and harms

The radiation of a lamp or exposure to the sun is a necessary condition for the health of both humans and animals and plants; few creatures inhabiting our planet can do without this component completely.

A UV lamp, replacing natural light, promotes the production of vitamin D, a deficiency of which is known to lead to such a disease 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 for the functioning and growth of many human tissues and is even a protector against cancer.

Ultraviolet radiation helps to get rid of pathogenic organisms that surround us all in abundance, ranging from common cold pathogens to more serious "comrades", like Koch's wand. Koch's wand is the causative agent of tuberculosis, the hotbed of which is places of detention, where not only ventilation is poorly organized, but where even a ray of light does not penetrate.

The beneficial effects 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, fungi and dermatitis are typical examples.

As already mentioned, ultraviolet rays cheer up, prevent depression, charge with optimism.

Don't expect an immediate effect. The beneficial effect has a cumulative form, and weeks and months may pass before the first positive changes noticeable to the eye.

Harm of ultraviolet lamp

Everything is good in moderation. If the use of such a lamp is not abused, follow the instructions, then there are no problems. With inept use of the device, quite serious consequences can occur: burns (eyes and skin), exacerbation of heart disease. Can provoke the growth of cancer cells of the epidermis - skin cancer. Note that prolonged sunbathing also has these side effects, therefore, the lamp itself is not harmful, harmfulness appears only in conjunction with the human factor.

How to use the ultraviolet lamp?

Mainly by carefully reading the instructions and strictly following its recommendations, especially carefully observing the parameters for safe use.

How to choose a UV lamp?

If the question is raised, which lamp to buy, ultraviolet or quartz (as a form: a home solarium), then it should be borne in mind that the latter can only be used after the doctor's permission. The choice should be based on the desired beneficial effect, for example, for a preventive function, you should find a device emitting 280 - 410 nm.

The rest of the choice belongs to quality indicators, the capabilities of the purchaser and the trust of the manufacturer's brand.

home » Benefit and harm » Quartz lamp harm and benefit

The benefits and harms of home quartzing

Quartzization is a process of treating air with ultraviolet rays to destroy bacteria, viruses and microbes. Bactericidal treatment of the premises and air enrichment with ozone made the process relevant in the cold season. Artificial quartzization 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 treatment and disinfection of household premises. It is necessary to disinfect premises not only in hospitals and laboratories, but also at home. Home quartzization is used to process children's rooms.

Before using quartz treatment at home, find out what are the benefits and harms of the procedure. Positive changes from quartz lamps are provided with an antibacterial effect. The benefits of quartzing are as follows:

  1. Prevention of colds and flu. In the presence of an infected person, quartzing will reduce the risk of further infection of family members.
  2. The condition is relieved in chronic bronchitis, adenoids and a protracted runny nose, because the lamp kills bacteria.
  3. Treatment of otitis or inflammation of the ear. Is a fast and easy way.
  4. Treatment of skin diseases, from psoriasis, eczema, rashes to acne.
  5. Toothache and stomatitis are effectively treated with home quartz treatment.
  6. Relief of pain in the joints and osteochondrosis in inflammatory processes.
  7. Prevention of rickets. The lamp is useful for families with children.
  8. Treatment of inflammatory processes.

When recovering from serious operations, quartz treatment is used for prevention.

There is nothing surprising in the fact that quartzing a room has positive effects. This is due to the qualities of ultraviolet rays. Periodically turning on a quartz lamp, the air becomes sterile, because it does not contain harmful microorganisms.

Harm of quartzing

Before purchasing and using a lamp, find out what harm quartzization brings to a person.

Quartzing can be harmful due to improper use of the device. Modern options can be included even if there are residents in the room. Read the instructions carefully before using the device.

The lamp will harm if family members suffer:

  1. Individual intolerance. Use the lamp carefully.
  2. Tumors. The use of a quartz lamp can lead to the accelerated formation of tumors.
  3. High blood pressure. If you suffer from vascular problems, then do not use quartz 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 the use of home quartz treatment, feel free to start operating the device. The benefits of the procedure are many, and potential harm may not appear.

How to choose lamps

When choosing a lamp, keep in mind the variety of designs and options produced by different factories. Consider several options, compare, and then make a choice.

Quartz lamps are of two types - open and closed. The use of the first type is possible only if there are no living organisms in the room, including flowers. Such room quartz lamps are used in hospitals, offices and laboratories.

In an apartment, it is preferable to use universal closed quartz lamps.

Device characteristics:

  • universality;
  • closed type;
  • compact size.

The device looks like a structure with tubes. The main purpose is the disinfection of rooms or intracavitary irradiation.

When you purchase a home quartz lamp, check each tube for integrity and completeness.

How quartzization is carried out

Use protective goggles when quartzing to protect your eyes from exposure to the rays. Touching the surface of the lamp is not allowed. In case of accidental contact, treat the area with alcohol solutions.

The instructions for the lamp indicate the exact time for home quartzing. The first times should be carried out at minimum parameters, to test individual tolerance to ultraviolet radiation.

When conducting quartzing at home, remember that:

  • it is impossible to disinfect the living quarters if there is a patient with an elevated 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;
  • do not leave pets and plants in the room for the time of quartzing;
  • it is necessary to observe fire safety in the house when the quartz lamp is operating.

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 the home - benefit or harm

The use of quartz lamps

It is no secret that the air we breathe in some way determines 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 comes from in the house), and the items that collect this dust, then you can clean the air of bacteria, viruses and microbes using a quartz lamp for the home .

About the benefits and dangers of quartzing, how to choose a quartz lamp for the home and how to properly quartz a room - we will talk about all this right now ...

What is a quartz lamp for?

Quartz lamp - 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 viruses, bacteria and microbes are destroyed. In addition, during such a bactericidal treatment of air, 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. It will not happen. But, here, to strengthen your body, increase its defenses, as well as ensure the production of vitamin D and biologically active substances, and at least somehow compensate for the lack of sunlight - a quartz lamp will cope with these tasks perfectly.

At the same time, you can use a quartz lamp, both to provide spot irradiation, and for general.

Surely, those who have been in the hospital at least once will remember that there, in the daily routine, the time was indicated during which the chambers were quartz.

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

Given that medical institutions are actively using quartz lamps for quartz treatment of wards and rooms with increased sterility, it can be assumed that this procedure is not only necessary, but also useful. It really is. Today, experts have compiled a whole list of useful aspects from quartzing, and World Without Harm invites you to familiarize yourself with it.

So, quartzing will be useful for and for:

  • Prevention of colds and 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, 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.
  • Treatment of stomatitis and toothache.
  • In inflammatory processes in 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, periodically turning on quartz lamps and quartzing the room with their help will help purify the air and make it sterile, save you from the presence of harmful microorganisms in it, which are the causative agents of dangerous diseases.

Harm of quartz lamps

Observe safety precautions when quartzing

However, in inept hands, quartz lamps, and quartzing itself, as a preventive procedure, can do more harm than good. First of all, this applies to situations where the device - a quartz lamp - is used for other purposes, and without following the recommendations in the instructions. In particular, if it says that quartzing a room when people are in it is not worth it, it would not be appropriate to ignore this recommendation.

Also, some people may experience individual intolerance to quartzing. So, even if the instructions indicate that you can be in the room when it is quartzing, but at the same time you feel bad - you should not tempt fate, it is better to leave the room while it is quartzing.

The presence of neoplasms, both malignant and benign in nature, in the case of irradiation with a quartz lamp, can lead to intensive growth of tumors. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with a tumor or cyst, it is strictly forbidden for you to be in the room when it is quartzing.

People suffering from 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 with the quartz treatment without worrying that it may be harmful for you .

How to choose a quartz lamp for home

If you have no contraindications for the use of quartz lamps, and you are interested in you and your loved ones getting sick less often, 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 and 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 lamps for quartzing will be appropriate to install in hospital wards, in offices, or in laboratories, where it will be possible to turn them on for a period while all the staff is absent.

But for home use, closed-type quartz lamps are better suited. They can be used even if you don't 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 the home

Also, pay attention to the versatility of such quartz lamps, their size, as well as what they are intended for. Having opted for a particular model, carefully study its characteristics, read the instructions, and only after making sure that all the details of the lamp 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 careless touching the surface of a heated lamp, 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 quartzization, the first sessions of quartzization should be at minimum parameters and not long in time so that you can establish that you tolerate ultraviolet normally. In the future, adhere to the recommended quartzing times.
  • If there is a person with a high temperature in the room, then quartzing the room while the patient is in it is not worth it.
  • The ultraviolet rays of a quartz lamp have the property of drying the skin, and the air in the room after their use is dry. Take care of the condition of your skin by 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 that you will keep for a long time. Read more about the dangers of a solarium and how to maintain a tan.
  • Do not leave small children, animals and plants alone with working quartz lamps.
  • When using a quartz lamp, do not forget about compliance with fire safety rules.

Video about quartz lamps for home

Today we talked about quartz lamps for the home, about their benefits and harms, about how to choose such lamps correctly, and how to use them to quartz a room.

We would be interested to know your opinion about the benefits and harms of quartz lamps. Do you use them to disinfect the rooms and air in the house?

Shevtsova Olga, World Without Harm