When a germicidal lamp helps against coronavirus
There is a lot of information on the net that ultraviolet light kills coronavirus, so there has been a lot of speculation on this topic. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how effective a bactericidal lamp against coronavirus and how to properly organize disinfection to achieve results.
Are UV lamps dangerous?
Quartz and germicidal lamps are used for artificial ultraviolet radiation. They differ in the principle They work differently, but to determine harm it is not fundamental. Although, it should be noted that the first type additionally emits ozone.
Ozone affects and inevitably destroys microorganisms, because it destroys their DNA. To achieve the ideal effect, the quartz lamp should work for about 8 hours, then you can say with certainty that the room is sterile. Naturally, a person should not be in the room, as ozone has a negative effect on his body as well.
Bactericidal lamp does not emit ozone, but stay indoors when using it is also not allowed. This is because ultraviolet kills not only harmful microorganisms, but also beneficial human bacteria. But it is worth noting that in order for the equipment to have a negative effect on a person, it must affect the body for a long time.
If a quartz lamp is used, it is better to leave the room immediately. It causes damage to useful bacteria much faster, it is better not to stay in the room after turning on the equipment for longer than half a minute.
The negative effect of ultraviolet light on coronavirus infection medics proved back in the spring. As a result of the tests, they found that even a few seconds of exposure to a small dose of ultraviolet radiation sterilized the virus. This is why the incidence of disease decreased sharply during the summer period with abundant sunshine and increased again after the onset of the cloudy period.
Therefore, coronavirus and ultraviolet lamp are incompatible, which can be used beneficially, given a few recommendations:
- It is necessary to turn on the equipment for at least 15 minutes, and if possible, to leave for a longer period, this will increase the effectiveness.
- For the first time it is desirable to treat the room for at least 30 minutes to ensure the destruction of pathogens if they are present.
- Staying in the room is not allowed, you must either leave immediately after turning it on, or place a switch in the hallway so that you don't even go in.
- The main feature of ultraviolet lights should be considered - they destroy pathogens only on the surfaces they illuminate. If there are crevices, irregularities and other places where the radiation does not reach, the pathogen will remain there.
There are also lamps of the closed type, unlike the open versions, when they work you can be in the room without harming your health. But they are less effective and mainly disinfect the air, but not the surfaces around.
Video Answer: Expert Opinion
What works better for COVID-19 - a quartz lamp or a recirculator
Another common question asked by those who choose equipment to treat the room. It is worth noting right away that Both options are almost equally effective, the coronavirus fears them equally. They are able to kill pathogens in 15-20 minutes on all surfaces where the radiation hits.
But the nature of application differs. A quartz lamp emits ozone, so it is advisable to ventilate the room for a few minutes after using it, which is not always convenient.
Recirculators do not emit ozone, so there is no need to ventilate the room after turning them off. This option is more suitable for the home, as there are many mobile models that can be moved from room to room to treat the entire apartment or house.
Exactly how UV rays kill viruses
Figuring out exactly how UV light and viruses interact is not difficult. The essence of the method is that The radiation damages the DNA of bacteria, viruses and infections. They are not destroyed, but very quickly lose the ability to reproduce and become sterile, and therefore safe.
Viruses and similar microorganisms are particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet light because they lack membranes and cell walls. When exposed to high energy photons in shortwave ultraviolet radiation, the DNA of pathogens is damaged very quickly, which ensures high efficiency.
Shortwave ultraviolet wavelengths range from 100 to 280 nm. It is the one that has bactericidal characteristics and is not found in natural conditions, as this part of the spectrum is completely absorbed by the earth's atmosphere.
Shortwave ultraviolet can be obtained by using lamps, which are bulbs that contain UV-C LEDs and mercury vapor.
Does it make sense to decontaminate respirators
If reusable respirators are used, there is no point in disinfecting them with ultraviolet. First, when washing, the material is exposed to detergents that destroy the virus. And after drying, the surface can be ironed on both sides to guarantee the complete destruction of any viruses.
But if you need to treat an N95 type mask, you can use ultraviolet light to decontaminate it. To do this, it is best to place the product at a small distance from the lamp and turn it over after 10-15 minutes to treat all sides.
There are special sterilization boxes that have small lamps specifically for treating small items. You can use them for such purposes.
For disinfection use and multicooker, when exposed to high temperature for 40 minutes to destroy all bacteria.
Is it necessary to quartz foods
Many people also place products under the lamp to disinfect them. It doesn't make much sense, because you have to turn the package on all sides, which is time-consuming and difficult. In addition, there is no guarantee that ultraviolet light will not have a negative effect on the products.
It's much much easier and more effective is to rinse packages under running water.This allows you to remove practically everything that is on the surface. After that, you need to dry the surface and use the products.
As noted by medics, so far there has not been a single confirmed case of covid infection through food. Therefore, in this case, it does not make much sense to carry out quartzing for coronavirus.
Topical video: What devices will help to clean the air from viruses
What you should not irradiate
If the lamp will to be used to treat the room and prevention, you should not use it in a row for all things. For example, if you irradiate outerwear, the coronavirus will die only on surfaces that are illuminated, all folds will remain untreated.
This also applies to any other products that have many irregularities, recesses, etc. There is no point in wasting energy and time treating everything, it is much easier to use special sprays.
Review the prices of popular models for the home.
Conclusion: is it worth buying a lamp
Since the equipment is quite expensive - usually a germicidal lamp costs from 3000 rubles, it is worth considering whether you need this equipment or not. This option is best suited for disinfecting rooms, in which case it is effective and allows you to maintain a healthy microclimate. Moreover, it is enough to include a device 2-3 times a day for 15-20 minutes.
The lamp is effective against Covid-19 as well as other viruses, so it will be useful for those who often get sick during the cold season. And to make the disinfection even more effective, it is worth ventilating the room several times a day.