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UV-C radiation can be safely used to disinfect surfaces or objects in a
closed environment in the absence of occupants (humans, animals or
plants) where the UV light does not escape outside.
Subject to exceptions, the transparency of materials to visible light does
not coincide with transparency at UV-C wavelengths: ordinary glass and
transparent plastics are opaque to UV-C.
Systems with UV-C sources installed on the wall or ceiling that generate
UV-C light without protecting the user from exposure, represent a
potential hazard depending on the wavelength, intensity and length
of exposure, in view of the fact that UV-C radiation itself cannot be
perceived by humans as it does not give out any thermal or other
sensation (at least until the damage is manifested) and is not visible.
In fact, as documented in literature, UV-C radiation in the 250 nm 280
nm range is capable of causing serious damage to the eyes and skin. In
addition, UV-C radiation is a proven carcinogen for humans for ocular and
skin cancers.
The limit values set by current legislation in relation to the use of germicidal
lamps with UV-C 180-250 nm emission have recently been confirmed
by the SCHEER (Scientific Committee on Environmental Health and
Emerging Risks) in relation to the evidence that accidental exposure
to UV-C generated by germicidal lamps in this wavelength range can
cause serious skin damage, burns and severe forms of photokeratitis
and photoconjunctivitis to subjects unknowingly exposed even for short
periods (SCHEER - Health effects of UV-C lamps 2017).
Therefore, to prevent damage from accidental exposure, it is essential
that the sources are turned on only if the presence of people, animals or
plants in the irradiation area is excluded.
Since this is an application to be carried out in the absence of people,
the difference between a safe, quality project and an application that
is dangerous or harmful to humans and other living beings arises from
knowledge of the subject and by compliance with the current regulations
in force on this subject, as well as in the implementation of multiple and
various levels of safety to guarantee the correct use of the technology
which must be properly integrated in the plant design of the environment.
Artemide proposes the use of integrated and non-integrated UV-C
systems, that is, equipped with double emission (UV-C and visible
light) or UV-C only.
Artemide offers devices with safety sensors, which must be further
combined and integrated with the safety system of the spaces in which
the product is in turn installed and which involves the installer and the
space manager.
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 integrate the INTEGRALIS® technology, which acts by irradiating
surfaces with appropriate wavelengths, Artemide is also developing a
complementary system for air sanitisation.
Human safety
Surface sanification and
UV materials resistance
Air sanification