Why and how to do quartzing

What is quartzing

This word refers to the process of treating air and objects in a room with ultraviolet light with a wavelength of less than 280 nanometers (nm).

Not quartz. Quartz as a mineral is only indirectly related to the procedure. It's just that lamp bulbs that emit electromagnetic waves in the UV range are often made of quartz glass. It, unlike ordinary silicate, almost does not absorb ultraviolet light and transmits it outside.

In English-speaking sources, quartzing is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI The History of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation for Air Disinfection - ultraviolet germicidal irradiation).

How quartzing works

The main active element of the process is ultraviolet light. This radiation is divided into several types of Ultraviolet radiation and health - WHO, depending on the wavelength:

UV ‑ A (long wavelength) - 315–400 nm;
UV-B (medium wave) - 280-315 nm;
UV-C (short wave) - 100-280 nm.

All types of ultraviolet light are well absorbed by DNA molecules and damage them. This also applies to us humans. Human skin has learned to combat such damage with melanin. This pigment creates a kind of barrier around skin cells that scatters UV rays.

The shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous the UV radiation is. When it comes to humans, the skin darkens from UV-A rays. UV-B rays damage DNA more actively, causing sunburn and even skin cancer. By the way, at the same time they partially destroy Inactivation of Airborne Viruses by Ultraviolet Irradiation viruses - in many respects this is why the frequency of viral diseases decreases in summer.

But the most lethal is shortwave UV radiation. It is easier than others to be absorbed by molecules and quickly destroys DNA.

This also applies to the coronavirus. Studies show that the causative agent COVID-19 is sensitive Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Living organisms on Earth are protected from short-wave UV ‑ radiation by the ozone layer - it transmits only UV ‑ A rays and some part of UV ‑ B. But UV-C waves can be artificially reproduced. This is what quartz lamps are for.

Why do quartzing

The main task of quartz lamps is disinfection. Ultraviolet light with a wavelength of less than 280 nm effectively destroys DNA and RNA of viruses, bacteria, fungi (mold) caught in the zone of its action.

Therefore, quartz lamps are often used Using Ultraviolet Germicidal Lights for Air Cleaning to decontaminate rooms in hospitals, laboratories, public places, including schools, offices, nursing homes.

Quartzization does not guarantee that all microorganisms will be destroyed. But it can reduce the concentration of viruses and microbes in the air.

In order for the bactericidal effect to be noticeable, quartzing is necessary. Applications of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation disinfection in health care facilities: effective adjunct, but not stand-alone technology, should be supplemented with regular wet cleaning and ventilation of the room.

You can get rid of viruses and bacteria using ultraviolet radiation at home - following certain rules.

How can quartzing be done

Industrial ultraviolet germicidal irradiators are used to decontaminate common areas, such as wards and operating rooms in hospitals or subway cars. They have a high UV output. Only a specialist should work with them. Such settings cannot be used at home.

For domestic use, there are less powerful, but less hazardous quartz lamps.

If you decide to buy one, pay attention to three important parameters:

Bactericidal efficacy(disinfection efficiency). It is expressed as a percentage and shows how much of the total number of microorganisms present in the air the lamp is capable of destroying during operation. It is good if the bactericidal efficiency is at least 95%.
Performance. This parameter indicates how much of the room the lamp is designed for and how long it must work in order to disinfect the air in this room. As a rule, we are talking about 20-30 minutes of work.
Guarantee period. Over time, the bactericidal efficiency of the device decreases and the lamp must be replaced with a new one. How often this should be done is written in the instructions for a particular device.

How to properly do quartzing at home

In order not to harm yourself and others, be sure to follow these tips:

Turn on the lamp in an enclosed space where no one is. This means that people and pets must be taken out of the room, and it is desirable to take out the plants. First, ultraviolet light is dangerous for living organisms. Secondly, ozone can be generated during lamp operation. It is a toxic Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners gas that, even in small quantities, can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and worsen asthma. When we breathe ozonized air, the body's ability to resist ARVI decreases.
Do not look at the quartz lamp when turned on and during its operation. Shortwave ultraviolet light can burn the retina. Some models come with glasses - wear them when turning the appliance on and off.
Never try to sunbathe under a quartz lamp!
Do not use a quartz lamp to disinfect your hands or other areas of your skin. This could cause WHO recommendations for the population in connection with the spread of the new coronavirus (2019 ‑ nCoV): myths and misconceptions irritation and even burns.
Follow the instructions for the lamp. It says how long it must be turned on in order to disinfect a room of a particular area.
Ventilate the room after quartzing. This will help get rid of the ozone.
Do wet cleaning. Not necessary immediately after quartzing. Just keep in mind that UV disinfection only works effectively when combined with standard hygiene measures.