Ultraviolet lamp: what is it used for? – Setafi

A UV lamp is a device of amazing property, as it gives a glow at ultra-low wavelengths. They are not noticed by a person with ordinary vision. Devices are used not only in industry, but also in household use.

And in our article we will talk about the benefits and dangers of ultraviolet lamps, what they are intended for, their properties and characteristics, and much more. Let's start!

UV lamp properties

We will not separately analyze the mechanism of the impact of waves on the environment and other laws of physics. Therefore, we consider three ultraviolet ranges at once. They have different properties, and the benefits of a UV lamp may vary.

• Category A. The radiation of this range ranges from 400–320 nm. It has a second name - "long-wave". The harm of an ultraviolet lamp is minimal, since the degree of penetration into living tissues is extremely small. With moderate use, you can even get benefits. It works great to strengthen the immune system, activates the production of vitamin D. Just under such rays we sunbathe on the beaches.

What does an ultraviolet lamp give in case of overdose? Recall the situation when you found yourself on the beach and "burned out." Familiar? But it can be much worse if you “sunbathed” under such a light bulb for a couple of hours more, and even without sunglasses. Corneal burns and blisters are guaranteed.

All of the above directly applies to living organisms: from plants to animals. With a slight impact of the rays, grass grows, living creatures become more active. As soon as the dose was increased, it can reach up to a scorched field.

• Category B. Ultraviolet medium radius 320–280 nm. Radiation can penetrate into the deepest tissue particles. Even with DNA changes. The minimum dose of UV can cause burns to the skin and external organs. The UV lamp also has a serious effect on vegetation, for which radiation is extremely harmful.
• Category C. A UV lamp of this category does more harm than good. The shortest wavelength range with a length of about 280 to 100 nm. Even in minimal amounts, a person can develop a skin mutation and sometimes cancer. The waves are not able to penetrate deeply into living tissues, so they cause irreparable consequences immediately upon impact: from burns to complete destruction of tissues.

An additional risk factor lies in exposure to atmospheric oxygen. As a result of a chemical reaction, triatomic oxygen is created - a very strong pathogen and poison of the first category for all living things.

As you can see, different waves have radically opposite effects on our body and the biosphere as a whole. What is an ultraviolet lamp used for and why is it so popular - read right now.

What lamps emit ultraviolet and where are they used

Why an ultraviolet lamp is used and which spheres simply cannot live without it - it all depends on the category of UV radiation and its wavelength.

Physiotherapy

Long-wave lamps have a positive effect on the restoration of the skin, so they are actively used when using medications and as an independent procedure. Also, the UV lamp actively resists jaundice, which affects young children.

Insect bait

Insecticide lamps are used to kill flying insects. They are based on ultraviolet light. The glow actively attracts the insect, and when approaching it, it is killed by a current discharge. For a person, stress does not cause any harm, so you should not be afraid for your life.

Disinfection

Irradiation of short waves allows you to purify water from bacteria and microbes. For this, special lamps are produced. They are installed in drinking filters or aquariums. Irradiation at times slows down the reproduction of harmful living creatures. The radiation spectrum does not threaten animals and humans.

plant growth accelerator

Ultraviolet has a positive effect on the process of photosynthesis and the treatment of plant diseases. The flora is saturated with additional vitamins, and the growth time is reduced. That is why UV lamps are actively used in greenhouses.

Restoration work

Antique paintings are difficult to restore without the proper equipment. One of these tools is ultraviolet. It reveals to the restorers all the worn areas of the drawing, allowing them to see the paint and the lost ornament. Also, such a restoration is useful in case of inaccuracies of the artist or incorrect work before.

In the laboratory

Laboratory studies of materials (their composition) will not do without a fluorescent lamp. Irradiation allows you to see the phosphors, which are highlighted when exposed to a lamp.

fake tan

The key part of the solarium is the lamp. The effect of sunburn is no different from that which we perceive under the scorching sun. Solarium lamps are among the most expensive. They heat up to such an extent that the largest flasks and additional ventilation systems are used for installation.

Criminalistics

When glowing with ultraviolet light, you can see a fingerprint or rubbed blood stains. This is used when examining a crime scene or forensic examination.

Checking the authenticity of banknotes

UV glow is one of the highest quality ways to check money. During the production process, the paper is bleached - an active phosphor is obtained. When irradiated with a lamp, the banknote is highlighted in blue. However, real money is not made from paper, but based on cellulose and fabrics (therefore, they do not deteriorate in the washing machine). A counterfeiter is easy to recognize precisely by paper money.

terrariums

To warm up the blood of amphibians, a conventional battery will not work. Lizards or turtles simply need an ultraviolet lamp, so several lamps are placed in the boxes at the top, under the lid. If this is not done, the animal will get sick a lot. Extremely close to death.

Manicure drying

Varnishes also require ultraviolet heating, as they are created specifically for it. For drying, special lamps are used, packed in a delivery for painted nails. With natural drying, the varnish simply does not harden, but on UV it polymerizes.

What is the difference between a quartz lamp and an ultraviolet lamp

The differences between a quartz and ultraviolet lamp lie not in the principle of operation. Both operate on the same basis, emitting a wave signal. Conclusion - both emit ultraviolet radiation.

The difference between a quartz lamp and an ultraviolet lamp is that the latter lamp does not produce extremely strong UV radiation. It does not harm a person in any way and does not create a toxic space around itself, turning oxygen into ozone. Using soft UV light is much safer than quartz-based light. Even without instructions, you can use the lamp safely. Therefore, a quartz “brother” of such a device in household use is extremely rare, if it can be found anywhere at all.

Differences between a quartz and ultraviolet lamp and why they cannot be confused

The main property of the "hard" ultraviolet is the effect on oxygen and the creation of triatomic oxygen. It is not only an active poison, but also interacts with any surface.

Yes, on the one hand, it can be used as an effective bactericidal agent (3 thousand times stronger than chlorine) and even the most difficult fungal deposits can be eliminated. On the other hand, an active rival of "X-ray" in contact with the human body causes irreparable consequences - from skin burns to cancer and death.

Therefore, quartz is not used in the home environment. Lamps of exceptionally soft glow are produced.

What do you know about the benefits and harms of ultraviolet lamps for humans? Can you tell something about it or share your curious facts? We are happy to read all the messages in the comments under our article! Have a nice day!