Abstract
In this paper the authors describe in detail the exposure limit values concerning artificial optical radiation due to the main incoherent light sources found in offices. In particular, for some examples of significant sources chosen as case studies, we discuss the results of in situ measurements of the exposure values using a broadband photoradiometer. By comparing the measurement results with the exposure limit values specified in the European legislation, the maximum exposure times for workers have been evaluated. From the analysis of the results it can be concluded that the lighting sources typically present in indoor workplaces under usual conditions of use, do not pose a health risks for workers. However, in the case of accidental exposure during work activities or exposure linked to maintenance activities (short exposure distance), values in excess of the limit values have been observed, with decidedly short maximum exposure times.
Highlights
Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range between 100 nm and 1 mm is commonly known as “optical radiation” [1,2]
The problem of risk assessment from exposure to artificial optical radiation (AOR), both for coherent and incoherent sources, has long been analyzed by the international scientific community, as demonstrated by the numerous technical reports and guidelines that are present in the technical literature
The minimum requirements to protect workers against risks to health and safety that may result from exposure to the AOR at work are specified in the European Directive 2006/25/EC; in Italy, the content of the European Directive has been fully taken up by the Legislative Decree 81/2008
Summary
Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range between 100 nm and 1 mm is commonly known as “optical radiation” [1,2]. The wavelength range of interest for artificial optical radiation (AOR) risk assessment is between 180 nm and 3000 nm Within this range, special attention must be paid in the “blue light”. Minor attention has been paid to incoherent sources widely used in offices, e.g., lamps/luminaries, display screen equipment, copiers and scanners, and LED for lighting and signaling. For these sources, exposure times (sometimes far higher than the standard working day of eight hours) and values of illuminance higher than the reference values may require careful risk assessment arising from AOR [2,5,6]. It can be noticed that, in these special work situations, knowledge of the potential risks for workers, very often underestimated, has a great importance
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