All about ultraviolet lamps and their use in the home and medical institutions. Are ultraviolet nail lamps hazardous to health?

We all love summer with its bright colors, vacations, beaches and sunshine. And an indispensable attribute summer season is a tan that many of us strive to get in every possible way. People often talk about the beauty of a tan, but for some reason, rarely does anyone remember what a tan is and how it appears on the skin.

Tanning is not at all a desire for the skin to look beautiful, but on the contrary, natural reaction to ultraviolet light, which is perceived by skin cells as harmful effects.

Lately you can often hear talk about how tanning is harmful. But this is not entirely true: it is not the tan that is harmful, but the ultraviolet radiation, which contributes to its appearance.

The thinner and more delicate the skin, the worse it perceives ultraviolet rays, so there is nothing strange in the fact that the most harmful is the effect of sunlight on the skin of the face.

How to be? Really oriental women are right in their desire to completely protect themselves from the sun's rays, using all possible ways, including special umbrellas?

In this case, as in many others, it is important to be able to find a middle ground, because it will not be possible to completely close ourselves off from the sun, no matter how hard we try. Yes, and this is not necessary, because Sun rays– a source of vitamin D, which is necessary in moderation for both the skin and the body as a whole. Learn to be friends with the sun and its rays, and then you will not be afraid of either vitamin deficiency or the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Is ultraviolet harmful?

However, before you understand how to get along with the sun's rays friendly relations, it is necessary to decide what kind of harm it entails ultraviolet radiation.

First of all, ultraviolet radiation in excessive doses poses a risk of skin tumors, which can be dangerous to health and life.

It is necessary to take into account that our skin “remembers” every vacation and accumulates all the ultraviolet radiation received by a person since childhood. Each of our new tans is an increase in the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, which consists in the destruction of skin cells.

Again, this is not about complete refusal from sunbathing. The interaction of the human body with the sun is natural. Excessive tanning is unnatural.

But ultraviolet radiation is harmful not only to health. The sun's rays only improve at first glance appearance facial skin, contributing to the appearance of tanning. In fact, ultraviolet rays are the first enemy of youthful skin.

It is ultraviolet radiation that has a harmful effect on the skin, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles. Of course, there are other factors that influence skin aging, but excessive sunbathing is a sure way to early aging of the facial skin.

Under the influence of sunlight, the skin becomes dry and thin, and an insufficient amount of moisture immediately affects the elasticity of the skin and leads to the formation of wrinkles.

Ultraviolet protection: doctors' opinion!

Do you want to always stay beautiful and healthy? Then remember a few rules that will protect your skin from harmful effects ultraviolet.

For those who are not going to give up nice tan, doctors recommend sunbathing before 10.00 or after 16.00. At this time, the sun's rays are not yet highly active, but can already contribute to the appearance of a tan.

Some doctors also advise sunbathing lovers to go to the beach early in the morning. It is believed that exposing the skin to sunlight at this time of day provides protection from the harmful ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun during the day.

But the problem does not end there. The sun is not a lamp that can be turned on when visiting the beach and turned off when you no longer want to sunbathe. This celestial body is active at any time of the day.

In addition, facial skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation at any time of the year, not just in summer.

At first glance, it seems that with the arrival of autumn and until late spring, the sun's rays do not affect the skin. This misconception is due to the fact that we associate tanning only with hot days and scorching sun rays. But in fact, it has long been proven that you can tan and even burn in the shade, and the sun's rays have a detrimental effect on the skin of the face even in winter.

Here you can’t calculate the optimal time to go outside, and you have to think about daily protection of your face from the sun’s rays. In this case, special cosmetics that contain SPF factor come to the rescue.

In addition to protecting the skin from the sun, such products can also perform other functions, for example, moisturizing or toning the skin of the face. And their choice should come down to determining the sun protection factor you need.

But, first of all, it is necessary to take into account that sunscreens for the face have an SPF factor higher than that indicated on the packaging of similar products for the body skin. This is due to the fact that facial skin needs more intense protection. Protect your facial skin from large quantity ultraviolet radiation, and you will preserve youth and beauty for many years.

The sun gives life to our planet and provides a sea of ​​ultraviolet radiation for the beauty and health of humanity. It has been noted that people living in countries where there is more natural light, due to location and climate, are happier compared, for example, to northern countries, where there can be bad weather and cloudiness for many months of the year.

More recently, by historical standards, people began to spend a huge amount of time indoors, which resulted in a lack of solar heat and a lack of ultraviolet rays. City dwellers rarely visit fresh air, but progress does not stand still and it responds to emerging difficulties with simple technical solutions.

An ultraviolet lamp is a device that emits radiation in a range invisible to the eye, in the range between X-ray and purple spectrum

Ultraviolet lamp: benefits and harms

Radiation from a lamp or exposure to the sun is a necessary condition 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, the deficiency of which is known to lead to diseases such as rickets. However, vitamin D is known for another important property - it promotes the absorption of calcium by the body, and calcium, in turn, is one of the most basic elements for the functioning and growth of many human tissues and is even a protector against oncological diseases.

Ultraviolet radiation helps get rid of pathogenic organisms that surround us all in abundance, ranging from common cold pathogens to more serious “comrades”, like Koch’s bacillus. Koch's bacillus is the causative agent of tuberculosis, the breeding ground for which are 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 cope with many problems faster and more effectively. skin problems. Typical examples are acne, fungi and dermatitis.

As already mentioned, ultraviolet rays lift your spirits, prevent depression, and charge you with optimism.

Don't expect immediate results. The beneficial effect is cumulative and weeks and months may pass before the first positive changes are noticeable to the eye.

Harm from ultraviolet lamps

Everything is good in moderation. If you do not abuse the use of such a lamp and follow the instructions, then there will be no problems. If the device is used inappropriately, serious problems may arise. serious consequences: burns (eyes and skin), exacerbation of heart disease. Growth can be triggered cancer cells epidermis - skin cancer. Note that prolonged sunbathing also has data side effects Therefore, the lamp itself is not harmful; harm appears only in conjunction with the human factor.

How to use an ultraviolet lamp?

Mainly, carefully read the instructions and strictly follow its recommendations, especially carefully observing the parameters for safe use.

How to choose an ultraviolet lamp?

If the question is asked which lamp to buy, ultraviolet or quartz (as a type: home solarium), then it should be taken into account that the latter can only be used after a doctor’s permission. The choice should be based on what you need useful action, for example, for a preventive function, you should find a device emitting 280 - 410 nm.

The rest of the choice depends on quality indicators, the capabilities of the purchaser and the trust of the manufacturer’s brand.

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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 upper limit 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. Short-wave, hard radiation is completely blocked by the ozone layer of the earth's atmosphere. Most mid-wave radiation is also delayed and scattered by water vapor and dust in the atmosphere (not just the ozone layer). Thus, rays A and a small part (10%) of rays B reach the Earth’s surface. Their effects vary, but in moderate doses they are definitely beneficial for humans. Moreover, with a prolonged lack of light, “sun starvation” develops.

The benefits of ultraviolet light

1. Everyone knows that ultraviolet radiation 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 bone tissue, phosphorus is part of phospholipids, and they are involved in the construction of membranes of all cells of the body. True, doctors have calculated that to produce the required amount of vitamin D, it is enough to expose your hands and face to the sun for 15 minutes. per day, i.e. deficit does not threaten us (theoretically).

2. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the content of serotonin in the blood increases, and a person’s mood depends on it; it is called the “hormone of joy.” And it’s true that for months in winter gray clouds crawl across the sky, it’s dark from morning to evening, and now many have become limp, irritation rises in the soul, apathy sets in, there’s 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 effect of UV radiation.

Regarding tanning, this seems to be a side effect. Here it is: UV-A easily penetrates the skin and deeply, they cause darkening of ready-made melanin. This tan is quick and unstable. UVA does not cause burns, but initiates the process of photoaging of the skin. UV-B stimulates the production of new melanin and its subsequent darkening. This tan takes longer to acquire and also lasts longer, but UV-B can cause burns, and this is harmful.

Harm from ultraviolet radiation

1. We have already said that burns occur when receiving a large dose in a short time.

2. Negative action on immunity with prolonged, frequent, constant exposure to the sun. An example can be given to support this: after persistent sunbathing, herpes often occurs, i.e. The virus is activated, but the immune system, alas! But this is not a problem, the problem is when, after arriving from distant hot countries, women over the age of forty are found to have fast growth uterine fibroids or simply its occurrence.

An example from my personal life. I was 32 years old, I returned from a boarding house 14 km from Batumi, fell ill with ARVI and received severe complication- brainstem encephalitis, 3 months bed rest and a month of recovery. After lying for so long, it was not immediately possible to walk; for some time the earth sagged and swayed. This is, of course, lyrics, but don’t you have similar examples among your friends?

3. Hard ultraviolet radiation provokes the occurrence of skin tumors and malignant tumors.

If we consider the effect 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 received.

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

The influence of sun light on a person is difficult to overestimate - under its influence, 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 big influence to all living organisms on our planet. Ultraviolet radiation is a short-wave part of the solar spectrum that is not perceived by the human eye, has an electromagnetic nature and photochemical activity.

Due to its properties, ultraviolet light is successfully used in various fields human life. Wide use UV radiation has been used in medicine because it can change chemical structure cells and tissues, having different effects on humans.

Ultraviolet wavelength range

The main source of UV radiation is the sun. The share of ultraviolet radiation in the total flux sunlight fickle. It depends on:

• time of day;
• time of year;
• solar activity;
• geographical latitude;
• state of the atmosphere.

Despite the fact that the celestial body is far from us and its activity is not always the same, a sufficient amount of ultraviolet radiation reaches the Earth's surface. But this is only its small long-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 conventionally divided by wavelength into:

• far (400 – 315 nm) – UV – A rays;
• medium (315 – 280 nm) – UV – B rays;
• near (280 – 100 nm) – UV – C rays.

The effect of each UV range on human body varies: the shorter the wavelength, the deeper it penetrates through skin. This law determines the positive or Negative influence ultraviolet radiation on the human body.

Near-range UV radiation has the most adverse effect on health and carries the threat of serious diseases.

UV-C rays should be scattered in the ozone layer, but due to poor ecology they reach the surface of the earth. Ultraviolet rays of the A and B ranges are less dangerous; with strict dosage, far- and mid-range radiation has a beneficial effect on the human body.

Artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation

The most significant sources of UV waves affecting the human body are:

• bactericidal lamps - sources of UV - C waves, used to disinfect water, air or other objects external environment;
• industrial welding arc – sources of all waves in the range of the solar spectrum;
• erythematous fluorescent lamps– sources of UV waves in the A and B ranges, used for therapeutic purposes and in solariums;
• industrial lamps are powerful sources of ultraviolet waves used in production processes for fixing paints, inks or curing polymers.

The characteristics of any UV lamp are its radiation power, wavelength range, type of glass, and service life. These parameters determine how useful or harmful the lamp will be to humans.

Before irradiation with ultraviolet waves from artificial sources for the treatment or prevention of diseases, you should consult with a specialist to select the necessary and sufficient erythema dose, which is individual for each person, taking into account his skin type, age, and existing diseases.

It should be understood that ultraviolet is electromagnetic radiation, which not only affects positive influence on the human body.

A germicidal ultraviolet lamp used for tanning will cause significant harm rather than benefit to the body. Use artificial sources UV radiation should only be used by a professional who is well versed in all the nuances of such devices.

Stories from our readers

Vladimir
61 years old

Positive effects of UV radiation on the human body

Ultraviolet radiation is widely used in the field modern medicine. And this is not surprising, because UV rays produce analgesic, sedative, antirachitic and antispastic effects. Under their influence occurs:

• formation of vitamin D, necessary for the absorption of calcium, development and strengthening of bone tissue;
• decreased excitability of nerve endings;
• increased metabolism, as it causes activation of enzymes;
• dilation of blood vessels and improvement of blood circulation;
• stimulating the production of endorphins - “hormones of happiness”;
• increasing 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 express protective functions regarding pathogens various diseases. Strictly dosed ultraviolet irradiation stimulates the production of antibodies, thereby increasing the human body's resistance to infections.

Exposure of the skin to UV rays causes a reaction called erythema (redness). Vasodilation occurs, expressed by hyperemia and swelling. The breakdown products formed in the skin (histamine and vitamin D) enter the blood, which causes general changes in the body when irradiated with UV waves.

The degree of development of erythema depends on:

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

With excessive UV irradiation, the affected area of ​​the skin is very painful and swollen, a burn occurs with the appearance of a blister and further convergence of the epithelium.

But skin burns are far from the most serious consequences of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation on humans. Unwise use of UV rays causes pathological changes in organism.

Negative effects of UV radiation on humans

Despite important role in medicine, The harm of ultraviolet radiation on health outweighs the benefits. Most people are unable to accurately control therapeutic dose ultraviolet radiation and resort to protection 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;
• decreased appetite and nausea.

Excessive tanning affects the skin, eyes and immune (defense) system. Sensible and visible consequences excessive UV irradiation (burns of the skin and mucous membrane of the eyes, dermatitis and allergic reactions) pass 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 ultraviolet irradiation. That's why tan is defensive 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 sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Even a small dose causes severe burning, itching and sunburn skin. This is often associated with the use medications or use cosmetics or some food products.
2. Photoaging. UV rays of spectrum A penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, damaging the structure connective tissue, which leads to collagen destruction, loss of elasticity, and early wrinkles.
3. Melanoma - skin cancer. The disease develops after frequent and long stays in the sun. Under the influence of an excessive dose of ultraviolet radiation, the appearance of malignant tumors on the skin or the degeneration of old moles into a cancerous tumor.
4. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are non-melanoma skin cancers that do not lead to fatal outcome, but requires removal of the affected areas surgically. It has been noticed that the disease occurs much more often in people who work in the open sun for a long time.

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

Effect of UV waves on the eyes

Ultraviolet rays, depending on the depth of penetration, can also negatively affect the condition of a person’s eyes:

1. Photoophthalmia and electroophthalmia. Expressed in redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia. Occurs when safety rules are not followed when working with welding equipment or in people who are in bright sunlight in a snow-covered area (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 in varying degrees in the vast majority of people towards old age. Its development is associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the eyes, which accumulates throughout life.

Excess UV rays can cause various forms cancer diseases eye and eyelid.

The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the immune system

If the dosed use of UV radiation helps to increase the body’s defenses, then Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation depresses immune system . This was proven in scientific research US scientists on the herpes virus. Ultraviolet radiation changes the activity of cells responsible for immunity in the body; they cannot restrain the proliferation of viruses or bacteria, cancer cells.

Basic safety precautions and protection against exposure to ultraviolet radiation

To avoid negative consequences Because of the influence of UV rays on the skin, eyes and health, every person needs protection from ultraviolet radiation. When forced long stay in the sun or in a workplace exposed to high doses of ultraviolet rays, it is imperative to find out whether 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 are taken into account:

• ultraviolet wavelength;
• ozone layer concentration;
• solar activity and other indicators.

The UV index is an indicator of the potential risk to the human body as a result of the influence of ultraviolet radiation on it. The index value is assessed on a scale from 1 to 11+. The norm for the UV index is considered to be no more than 2 units.

At high index values ​​(6 – 11+), the risk of adverse effects on human eyes and skin increases, so protective measures must be taken.

1. Use Sunglasses(special masks for welders).
2. In the open sun, you should definitely wear a hat (if the index is very high, a wide-brimmed hat).
3. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
4. On areas of the body not covered by clothing Apply sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30.
5. Avoid being in an open space not protected from direct sunlight from noon to 4 p.m.

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

For whom ultraviolet irradiation is contraindicated?

The following categories of people should be careful with exposure to ultraviolet radiation:

• with very fair and sensitive skin and albinos;
• children and teenagers;
• those who have a lot birthmarks or nevi;
• suffering from systemic or gynecological diseases;
• those who have had skin cancer among their close relatives;
• those taking some for a long time medications(consultation with a doctor is required).

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

The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the human body and its health cannot be clearly called positive or negative. There are too many factors to consider when it affects a person in different conditions external environment and radiation from various sources. The main thing to remember is the rule: any exposure to ultraviolet radiation on a person should be minimal before consulting a specialist and strictly dosed according to the doctor’s recommendations after examination and examination.

The 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. These include: time of year, geographical location terrain 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. Human eye only one of them can be distinguished. Ultraviolet rays are found in the spectrum invisible to humans. What are they? These are nothing more than electromagnetic waves. The wavelength of ultraviolet radiation ranges from 7 to 14 nm. Such waves carry enormous flows of thermal energy to our planet, which is why they are often called thermal waves.

Ultraviolet radiation is usually understood as a broad spectrum consisting of electromagnetic waves with a range conventionally divided into far and near rays. The first of them are considered vacuum. They are completely absorbed by the upper layers of the atmosphere. Under Earth conditions, their generation is possible only in vacuum chambers.

As for near ultraviolet rays, they are divided into three subgroups, classified according to ranges 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 detect ultraviolet radiation? Today, there are many special devices designed not only for professional but also for domestic use. With their help, the intensity and frequency, as well as the magnitude of the received dose of UV rays are measured. The results allow us to evaluate them possible harm for the body.

Ultraviolet sources

The main “supplier” of UV rays on our planet is, of course, the Sun. However, today man has also invented artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation, which are special lamp devices. Among them:

Mercury-quartz lamp high pressure, capable of operating in the general range from 100 to 400 nm;

A luminescent vital lamp that generates waves with a length of 280 to 380 nm, the maximum peak of its emission is between 310 and 320 nm;

Ozone-free and ozone bactericidal lamps that produce ultraviolet rays, 80% of which are 185 nm in length.

Benefits of UV Rays

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

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

Harm from UV rays

Harsh ultraviolet radiation, which is destructive for living organisms, is not allowed to reach the Earth by the ozone layers located in the stratosphere. However, rays in the middle range reaching the surface of our planet can cause:

Ultraviolet erythema - severe burn 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 and cause disruptions in the functioning of the immune system, which causes the occurrence of oncological pathologies.

Skin lesions

Ultraviolet rays sometimes cause:

1. Acute skin injuries. Their occurrence is facilitated high doses solar radiation containing mid-range rays. They act on the skin for a short time, causing erythema and acute photodermatosis.
2. Delayed skin damage. 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. Herpes is also on this list.

Both acute and delayed injuries are sometimes caused by excessive hobbies artificial sunbathing, as well as when visiting those solariums that use uncertified equipment or where UV lamp calibration measures are not carried out.

Skin protection

The human body, with a limited amount of any sunbathing, is able to cope with ultraviolet radiation on its own. The fact is that over 20% of such rays can be blocked by healthy epidermis. Today, protection from ultraviolet radiation, in order to avoid the occurrence of malignant formations, will require:

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

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 found on objects, wall surfaces, floors, ceilings and in the air. These bactericidal properties of ultraviolet radiation are widely used in medicine, and they are used accordingly. 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. During this treatment, a dosed effect of UV rays is applied to the patient’s body. At the same time, the use of ultraviolet radiation in medicine for these purposes becomes possible thanks to the use of special phototherapy lamps.

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

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

The use of an ultraviolet-producing lamp allows you to obtain good result in the treatment of patients who have undergone severe purulent operations. In this case, patients are also helped by the bactericidal property of these waves.

The use of UV rays in cosmetology

Infrared waves are also actively used in the field of maintaining human beauty and health. Thus, the use of ultraviolet bactericidal radiation is necessary to ensure the sterility of various rooms and devices. For example, this could be the prevention of infection of manicure instruments.

The use of ultraviolet radiation in cosmetology is, of course, a solarium. In it, with the help of special lamps, clients can get a tan. It perfectly protects the skin from possible subsequent sunburns. That is why cosmetologists recommend undergoing several sessions in a solarium before traveling to hot countries or the sea.

Special UV lamps are also necessary in cosmetology. Thanks to them, rapid polymerization of the special gel used for manicure occurs.

Determination of electronic structures of objects

Ultraviolet radiation also finds its use in physical research. With its help, reflection, absorption and emission spectra in the UV region are determined. This makes it possible to clarify the electronic structure of ions, atoms, molecules and solids.

The UV spectra of stars, the Sun and other planets carry information about those physical processes, which occur in hot regions of the space objects under study.

Water purification

Where else are UV rays used? Ultraviolet bactericidal radiation is used for disinfection drinking water. And if chlorine was previously used for this purpose, today its negative effect on the body has been studied quite well. So, the vapors of this substance can cause poisoning. The entry of chlorine into the body provokes the occurrence of cancer. That is why they are increasingly used to disinfect water in private homes. ultraviolet lamps.

UV rays are also used in swimming pools. Ultraviolet emitters are used in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries to eliminate bacteria. These areas also need clean water.

Air disinfection

Where else do people use UV rays? The use of ultraviolet radiation for air disinfection has also become increasingly common in recent years. Recirculators and emitters are installed in crowded places, such as supermarkets, airports and train stations. The use of ultraviolet radiation, which affects microorganisms, makes it possible to disinfect their habitat in the most high degree, up to 99.9%.

Household use

Quartz lamps that create UV rays have been disinfecting and purifying the air in clinics and hospitals for many years. However, recently, ultraviolet radiation is increasingly being used in everyday life. It is highly effective in eliminating organic contaminants such as mildew, viruses, yeast and bacteria. These microorganisms spread especially quickly in areas where people various reasons Keep windows and doors tightly closed for a long time.

The use of a bactericidal irradiator in domestic conditions becomes advisable when the living area is small and big family, in which there are small children and pets. A UV lamp will allow you to periodically disinfect rooms, minimizing the risk of the occurrence and further transmission of diseases.

Similar devices are also used by tuberculosis patients. After all, such patients do not always undergo 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 them to detect minimal doses of explosives. For this purpose, a device is used that produces ultraviolet radiation. Such a device is capable of detecting the presence of dangerous elements in the air and water, on fabric, as well as on the skin of a crime suspect.

Ultraviolet and infrared radiation is also used for macro photography of objects with invisible and barely visible traces of a crime. This allows forensic scientists to study documents and traces of a shot, texts that have undergone changes as a result of being covered in 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 livestock and agriculture;

For catching insects;

In restoration;

For chromatographic analysis.