Artemide: Integralis 2021, 45 67

I N T E G R A L I S ®
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Ultraviolet rays (100-400 nm) are a type of naturally occurring radiation
generated by the sun but only partially found on the earth due to the
ozone layer in the atmosphere acting as a filter with a percentage of
attenuation up to 100% for wavelengths shorter than UV-C.
By ultraviolet rays we mean electromagnetic waves which are divided into
three main wavelength ranges.
- UV-A (315-400 nm) with tanning properties;
- UV-B (280-315 nm) with therapeutic and vitamin synthesis properties
"D";
- UV-C (100-280 nm) with germicidal properties
UV-C rays have the strongest germicidal effect and are most effective at
a wavelength of 265 nm.
The germicidal effect of UV-C radiation extends to viruses, bacteria,
spores, mould fungi and mites. It is mainly due to the destructive effect
exerted by UV-C radiation on their RNA / DNA: in fact, UV-C damages
their genetic makeup, preventing their replication.
Viruses, bacteria, spores, fungi, moulds and mites are all sensitive, and
can therefore be eliminated with UV-C rays even if different doses of
energy are used.
UV rays are environmentally sustainable.

Environmental chemical pollution is inevitable when using normal
disinfectants. There is also the risk that can occur from the direct
inhalation of the vapours or from the ingestion of foodstuffs contaminated
by contact with these same chemical disinfectants.

Where it is not possible to eliminate the use of chemical disinfectants
(food, pharmaceutical, health sectors etc.) the use of ultraviolet rays in
disinfection allows a reduction in the quantities of use in favour of greater
respect for the environment, while maintaining or improving the degree
of disinfection of surfaces and spaces.

UV-C ray devices can be installed in production and non-production
environments and programmed according to cycles capable of ensuring
ideal conditions from a hygienic point of view, while eliminating the time
and physical presence constraints typical of chemical-based systems that
require human intervention. By way of example, the sanitisation of lifts
and toilets which can be automated in the absence of people and with a
controlled environment.

Currently UV-C rays are used on a daily basis in various industries
including the food and pharmaceutical sectors, hospitals, air conditioning
and water treatment systems.

All UV-C sources available today, whether they are mercury tubes
or LEDs, are subject to a deterioration in performance over time; the
expected useful technical lifespan is around 8-10,000 hours.

Environmental
sustainability
Shorter wavelengths
UV irradiation
UVC
INTEGRALIS