Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is found in sunlight and is used in a variety of applications, from tanning beds to germicidal lamps. While UV light can be beneficial in certain contexts, it can also be dangerous if not used properly. In this article, we'll explore the potential health risks associated with UV light installation and how to protect yourself from them.Adverse health effects that may occur due to exposure to UV light include erythema (sunburn), photokeratitis (feeling of sand in the eyes), skin cancer, increased skin pigmentation (tanning), cataracts and retinal burns. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, every year more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.
S. than the new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, and an American dies of skin cancer every hour.Unprotected exposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Exposure to UV-C radiation can also adversely affect the health of staff working in health facilities.
For this reason, it's important for health workers to be aware of the presence of UV lamps and take safety measures to prevent exposure.In addition to health care settings, UV light sources are also found in other workplaces such as laboratories, engine rooms and workshops. As a result, it's important for employers to inform and educate new staff about UV lamps and their potential risks. For example, you should never work in a biological safety cabinet (BSC) with the UV lamps on, and the UV lamps should not be turned on when the room is occupied.Ed Nardell, an infectious disease researcher at Harvard Medical School who has dedicated much of his career to studying UV sanitation, believes that distant UVC light is safe enough to use. Linden has been studying UV light as a way to disinfect surfaces and water for decades, and he says it's exciting to see the growing interest in sanitation technology.For a couple of New York bakeries, that means installing experimental lighting at their entrances that should disinfect pathogens without harming humans.
According to a New York Post report, Magnolia Bakery plans to install light bulbs that emit “far ultraviolet light”.In conclusion, while UV light can be beneficial in certain contexts, it's important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with its use and take appropriate safety measures. This includes informing and educating new staff about UV lamps; their presence, uses, and the adverse effects caused by exposure to UV radiation.
