Mercury vapor lamp, low pressure

Description

Low pressure mercury discharge bulbs are sealed Quartz tubes containing Mercury vapor mixed with Argon. An arc of electricity efficiently produces a discharge of radiation in the 253 -185 nm ultraviolet region. Low pressure mercury vapor lamps are used as germicidal lights and as cold and hot cathodes.

Risks

Most bulbs have an outer safety glass to minimize UV radiation.

Resources and Citations

• Website: http://www.unibas.ch/epa/glossary/L.htm#low-pressure_mercury_lamp(arc)

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_vapor_lamp (Accessed Feb. 2, 2006)

• Book and Paper Group, Paper Conservation Catalog, AIC, 1984, 1989