Talk:Violet wand
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[edit] How does it work
How do violet wands work? The description makes them sound like a fluorescent tube, in which case the following statement may be untrue, depending upon the gas.
- One popular misconception is that violet wands produce ultraviolet light, and sometimes violet wands are erroneously called "Ultraviolet wands". Violet wands do not produce any significant amount of ultraviolet light and do not cause UV burns.
Mercury spectrum tubes (a low pressure version of fluorescent tubes) are known to emit UV light and users are recommended to not stare at them for long, or to use protective eyewear.
- However, the glass electrodes do generate ozone and nitrogen oxides, giving your skin the well known "ozone smell."
It may be worth putting a note in the safety section that ozone should be avoided by those with respiratory diseases, such as asthma (see tropospheric ozone).
--zandperl 15:22, 30 August 2005 (UTC)
- I agree that any dangers of these devices should be made clearer. Placing one near the brain, as a hairdresser might? How many brain cells might that destroy? In the handle there's reportedly a high ratio winding, similar to a Tesla coil, to up the voltage, which creates the tube's arc. Similar devices are used by TV repair people to test for a leaking CRT no longer under vacuum.
- Coupling hairdresser use in the same sentence with erotic stimulation, making the concept seem somehow "exciting", seems a not-very-wise association for anyone to make.
- Regarding UV light, the glass used on various kinds of tubes apparently affects this. Some neon tubes use a mix of lead in the glass to decrease emission of harmful frequency bands, versus a purer form of borosilicate or pyrex to increase UV. It's unknown what type of glass is used for the inert-gas tubes of these devices. It's also unknown what type of gas is used inside the tube, though that likely changes the color of the emitted light.
- Curiously, UV light treatment is apparently still given by doctors to some people's scalps for certain severe dandruff conditions, I believe those devices have a comb and bulb combined, may require a prescription, and are not violet wands. Others keep their hair quite short and spend some measured time with their scalp in the sun for the UV light it provides naturally.
- 71.128.192.243 (talk) 19:13, 4 February 2008 (UTC)
[edit] external links
Appear commercial. Should they not be removed?Mikereichold 07:42, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
- Went ahead and removed linkspam.Mikereichold 07:46, 23 February 2006 (UTC)
[edit] references?
Any reference for it being called a "quack medical" device.--Crossmr 22:16, 1 June 2006 (UTC)
[edit] How do violet wands work?
Violet wands/wand electrodes do not produce measurable amounts of UV light, unlike the valid concern stated for mercury tubes. As a manufacturer (not just a retailer) who makes sure our products undergo rigorous testing and constant research, we have documentation on the output values for UV, ozone, wattage, amps, volts, how deep the current penetrates flesh, etc. Even the ozone produced by a violet wand is within OSHA guidelines, the interference also within FCC requirements. Strictly speaking, violet rays and violet wands are not precisely the same thing as there are construction differences between the two (as well as difference in purpose and consumer use); violet rays are prohibited from manufacture with their original antique design and purpose (US FDA ruling, 1954) while violet wands are legal to manufacture, own, use and sell in every state in the US.
There are currently only two violet wand manufacturers in North America.141.151.219.15 16:49, 13 October 2006 (UTC)Violetwanda141.151.219.15 16:49, 13 October 2006 (UTC)|13:25, August 28, 2006}}
- You're probably long gone, but it would be helpful, since you know the voltage and amperage, as well as the depth of penetration, to impart some knowledge regarding this device's safety with regard to "hairdresser" usage, and use on or near the scalp and head or brain. It would also be helpful to know more about the glass composition of the inert-gas bulb, as well as the specific mix, and relative ratios, of gases used therein.71.128.192.243 (talk) 19:13, 4 February 2008 (UTC)
[edit] Can you add our Link to this page ?
Hi - We have a huge range of Violet Wands online to suit all budgets and tasts.
Probably the only one on the net specialising in classic and antique Violet Wands —Preceding unsigned comment added by NickandMorphia (talk • contribs) 13:33, September 1, 2006
- Unless your link actually adds some valuable content to the article, no. Wikipedia is not a collection of links, or a vehicle for advertising a business.--Crossmr 19:17, 1 September 2006 (UTC)
[edit] "The well known ozone smell"
A completely unhelpful phrase for what's meant to be an *explanatory* article! 81.159.57.18 23:21, 11 May 2007 (UTC)
- It's a meaningful phrase to me, as I know what O3 smells like.71.128.192.243 (talk) 19:13, 4 February 2008 (UTC)
