How to Pick Bactericidal and Virucidal Lamps?

Everyone is aware that the given Covid-19 pandemic is due to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It’s high time that people might want to get their hands on ultraviolet-C (UVC) lamps to sanitize the surface in your house.

UVC radiation is best known for its quality to disinfect the air, surfaces, and water. It has been effective for decades in reducing the bacteria spread like tuberculosis, thus the UVC lamps can also be referred to as germicidal lamps.

The manufacturers of UVC lamps need to comply with all the regulations and rules that are applicable. These lamps are specially made for a medical purpose like as a product of disinfecting the devices and different parts of your body.

Before selecting the right UV lamp for yourself, you know what to expect and what are the various types of bactericidal lamps.

So, without further wait, let’s get started…

Type of Lamps

When selecting UVC lamps for yourself, you must know the types so you know exactly which type of UVC lamp you require.

LOW-PRESSURE MERCURY LAMP: These lamps are the most common ones. They are used to generate UVC radiation at low pressure with less than 90% emission.

EXCRIMER LAM OR FAR UVC LAMPS: Type of lamp, called an excimer lamp with peak emission of around 222nm.

It is known that the excimer lamps that have a 222 nm wavelength can cause less damage to the eyes and skin.

PULSE XENON LAMPS: These lamps emit short pulse broad-spectrum light which emits UVC radiation, and it is mostly used in hospitals to create a healthy environment to treat the surfaces in wards and operation theaters. Normally, they are used in the absence of any human.

LIGHT EMITTING DIODES (LEDs): They are the ones used commonly to produce UV radiation.

Normally, LEDs radiate a narrow wavelength band. The peak wavelengths are 265, 280, and 273 nm.

LEDs have more demand because they have no mercury, so people prefer them over mercury lamps.

Safety Precautions

It depends on UV wavelength, radiation exposure duration, and how much it can be risky. It can also be dangerous if you will not install it properly or someone untrained will be using it. Also, direct exposure to eyes and skin can cause pain and irritation leading to injury or skin burn. UVC can decompose some materials like polymers, plastics, and dyed fabrics.

Some of the UVC lamps have mercury which is toxic and dangerous even in smaller portions. Extreme level of caution is required if the lamp is broken, or you are cleaning it.

Final Thoughts

Normally UVC radiation is used in air ducts for disinfecting the air. It is considered the safest way for taking advantage of it as direct exposure can harm the eyes and skin and can cause unhealthy conditions. In air ducts, it does not cause any harm to the eyes and skin.

Before selecting the right UVC lamp for yourself or the place where it needs to be installed, it is essential to do a proper search or speak to an experienced seller who can guide you in the best way for what is best for you.