When a UV-C source is activated, a marked reduction in the microbes
present in the ambient air and on the surfaces reached by the UV rays
can be obtained, depending on the energy emitted.
Even where the use of chemical disinfectants is foreseen, irradiating
the surfaces avoiding shaded areas (in the absence of people)
with appropriate fast cycles can avoid the rapid recontamination of
the surfaces and keep them in constant optimal conditions from a
microbiological point of view.
An important aspect that should not be underestimated is the UV-C
resistance of the finishing materials. Since these are very energetic
wavelengths, the materials subjected to this type of radiation can
show premature aging of an aesthetic and / or mechanical nature.
The materials that have proved to be the most resistant are metals
and ceramics, while plastics (unless properly treated), fabrics, wood
and other materials of an organic nature have shown poor resistance
to UV-C.
This is a fundamental variable to consider in the design phase, which
will guide the project towards the choice of a specific technology not
only for its antimicrobial effectiveness but also for its sustainability as
dictated by the expected duration of an architectural space.
Viruses, bacteria and moulds, animal residues, mites and pollen are
among the main causes of dangerous infections and allergies. Each of
these contaminants disperses in a different way.
Some, such as mites, spores and moulds, are continuously transported
by the air, others like bacteria and viruses, “cling” to solid particles, such
as the spores themselves or droplets of moisture and are breathed in
by humans.
In the presence of an air conditioning system, when contaminants
enter the air treatment plant (or AHU) and the channels that distribute
it, the system itself, being dark and humid, becomes a fertile ground
for their growth and multiplication, rendering the air that we breathe
dangerous.
Irradiating the air inside the centralised system or setting up an air
purifier complete with UV lamps reduces the chances that these
pollutants can proliferate or be dispersed into the environment.
To complete the INTEGRALIS® technology eco-system, which acts
by irradiating surfaces with appropriate wavelengths, Artemide is also
developing a complementary system for air sanitisation.
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Surface sanification and
UV materials resistance
Air sanification
