Ultraviolet Radiation Hazard Research Articles

Skin biophysical properties including impaired skin barrier function determine ultraviolet sensitivity.

The levels of burning susceptibility to ultraviolet (UV) radiations are affected by various factors, including Fitzpatrick skin types, skin color, sex, and ethnicity. However, studies on the relationship between skin biophysical properties and erythemal responses to UV radiations are rare. This study aimed to investigate biophysical properties of the skin that determined individual skin sensitivity to UV radiation. As an indicator of skin sensitivity to UV radiation, Korean women were subjected to minimal erythema dose (MED) testing. The skin biophysical properties, such as skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), were measured. MED were also evaluated in further variations in the skin, including barrier disruption. A significant negative correlation was observed between TEWL and MED. With an increase in TEWL, that represents reduced skin barrier function, skin UV sensitivity also increased. Artificial alteration of skin conditions also changed erythemal response to UV radiation. When the skin barrier was disrupted, MED significantly decreased, indicating increased skin UV sensitivity. It is hypothesized that the altered penetration of UV radiation into the stratum corneum under the respective skin conditions caused different erythema reactions. For the first time in a clinical study, the skin biophysical properties, including skin barrier function, were found to have significant effects on skin sensitivity to UV radiation. This finding could help predict individual susceptibility to UV damage. Therefore, skincare products that improve skin conditions associated with UV sensitivity, as well as sunscreen are important for protection against the hazards of UV radiation.

Awareness, Attitude, and Practices about Some Lifestyle Factors that are Potentially Carcinogenic Among the Saudi Adult Population

Cancer is a slowly progressive disease resulting from modifiable and non-modifiable factors. There are three crucial modifiable lifestyle risk factors: passive smoking, ultraviolet radiation, and processed meat classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as group A carcinogens. Aim of study was to assess awareness, practice, and attitude regarding passive smoking, ultraviolet radiation, and processed meat of Saudi adult individuals in Al-Majma’ah city, Saudi Arabia. This is a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study in Al-Majma'ah city. A sample of 502 Saudi adult individuals was randomly selected from public places as well by using an online questionnaire. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 25. Awareness and practice levels regarding the three potential carcinogens were graded as excellent, good, and poor. The Awareness section's respondents' scores were (57.37%, 33.47%, and 9.16%) respectively, while in the practice section (38%, 51%, and 11%). The highest positive attitude percentage was for passive smoking (n= 365, 72.7%). In Conclusion, Generally, participants had an acceptable level of awareness, practice, and attitude. However, there are some areas in which the respondents’ level was relatively low, where most of the participants had inadequate awareness and practice regarding ultraviolet radiation hazards. Moreover, approximately half of the respondents showed a negative attitude towards processed meat consumption.

Knowledge and Practice Regarding Hazards of Ultraviolet Radiation amongst Medical Students of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation whose origin is sun and man-made sources. Unprotected exposure to UV radiation has been attributed to causing diseases such as skin cancer, hence proper protection is necessary when coming in contact with a UV radiation source. Objectives: To establish the knowledge and practices regarding the hazards of UV radiation exposure amongst undergraduate medical students. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the knowledge and practice regarding the hazards of UV radiation amongst medical students. Questionnaire was filled with a 100% response rate. Final data were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 21.0 and the descriptive statistics e.g. percentage and frequencies were calculated. Results: Of the 200 participants, 69% were females and 31% were males. Regarding the effects of sun, level of knowledge averaged at 8.39 ± 1.71 out of 12 points. Of the participants, 27.5% had good general knowledge about the hazards of UV exposure and photoprotective practices, 69.5% had fair knowledge while 3% had poor knowledge on the subject matter. Umbrella was a popular choice for photoprotection amongst females with 57.2% reporting of its use while in male hat usage was the popular choice as reported by 14.5% of them. 35.5% of the participants reported never having received formal education about the hazards of UV radiation. Conclusion: In Pakistan, medical students demonstrated good knowledge regarding the hazards of ultraviolet radiation but there was low usage of active sun-safe practices such as sunscreen which demonstrates that there is a gap between knowledge and practice.

Assessment of photobiological safety of passing beam and driving beam headlamps with different light sources

The article presents the results of the research on the assessment of photobiological hazards caused by ultraviolet radiation and blue light emitted from low and high-beam headlamps with three different light sources: halogen bulb, xenon-arc and light emitting diodes (LED). The studies show that modern light sources used in automotive industry can be the cause of blue light retinal hazard. Tested headlamps with LED and xenon-arc sources are assigned to RG2 risk group according to to PN-EN 62471:2010, maximum exposure times are in range of 24-40 s and threshold distances 5.3-8.3 m. There are no ultraviolet radiation hazard caused by low and high beam headlamps except for xenon lamp. Obtained results were referred to photometric and colorimetric quantities of tested headlamps.

Ultraviolet radiation oxidative stress affects eye health

In the eye, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is not known to contribute to visual perception but to mainly damage multiple structures. UVR carries higher energy than visible light and high dose exposure to UVR causes direct cellular damage, which has an important role in the development of cancer. This review provides an overview on the most recent knowledge on the role of UVR in oxidative stress (OS) in relation to noncancer ocular pathologies: various corneal pathologies, cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Possible OS signaling streams and mechanisms in the aging eye are discussed. Excessive exposure to UVR through live may seriously contribute to increase in OS of various eye tissues and thus lead to the advancement of serious ocular pathologies. Children are especially vulnerable to UVR because of their larger pupils and more transparent ocular media: up to 80% of a person's lifetime exposure to UVR is reached before the age of 18. Therefore, efficient everyday protection of the sensitive tissues of the eye by wearing of sunglasses, clear UVR-blocking spectacles or contact lenses should be considered from early age on. Many initiatives are taken worldwide to inform and raise the population's awareness about these possible UVR hazards to the eye.

Hazard of ultraviolet radiation emitted in gas metal arc welding of mild steel.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) emitted during arc welding frequently causes keratoconjunctivitis and erythema in the workplace. The degree of hazard from UVR exposure depends on the welding method and conditions. Therefore, it is important to identify the UVR levels present under various conditions. We experimentally evaluated the UVR levels emitted in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) of mild steel. We used both a pulsed welding current and a non-pulsed welding current. The shielding gases were 80% Ar + 20% CO2 and 100% CO2. The effective irradiance defined in the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists guidelines was used to quantify the UVR hazard. The effective irradiance measured in this study was in the range of 0.51-12.9 mW/cm2 at a distance of 500 mm from the arc. The maximum allowable exposure times at these levels are only 0.23-5.9 s/day. The following conclusions were made regarding the degree of hazard from UVR exposure during the GMAW of mild steel: (1) It is more hazardous at higher welding currents than at lower welding currents. (2) At higher welding currents, it is more hazardous when 80% Ar + 20% CO2 is used as a shielding gas than when 100% CO2 is used. (3) It is more hazardous for pulsed welding currents than for non-pulsed welding currents. (4) It appears to be very hazardous when metal transfer is the spray type. This study demonstrates that unprotected exposure to UVR emitted by the GMAW of mild steel is quite hazardous.

A randomized controlled trial of green tea catechins in protection against ultraviolet radiation–induced cutaneous inflammation

Background: Safe systemic protection from the health hazards of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight is desirable. Green tea is consumed globally and is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be mediated through the impact on cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. Recent data suggest that green tea catechins (GTCs) reduce acute UVR effects, but human trials examining their photoprotective potential are scarce.Objective: We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to examine whether GTCs protect against clinical, histologic, and biochemical indicators of UVR-induced inflammation.Design: Healthy adults (aged 18–65 y, phototypes I–II) were randomly allocated to 1350 mg encapsulated green tea extract (540 mg GTC) with 50 mg vitamin C or placebo twice daily for 3 mo. Impact on skin erythema, dermal leukocytic infiltration, and concentrations of proinflammatory eicosanoids was assessed after solar-simulated UVR challenge, and subject compliance was determined through assay of urinary GTC metabolite epigallocatechin glucuronide.Results: Volunteers were assigned to the active (n = 25) or the placebo (n = 25) group. After supplementation, median (IQR) sunburn threshold (minimal erythema dose) was 28 (20–28) and 20 (20–28) mJ/cm2 in the active and placebo groups, respectively (nonsignificant), with no difference in AUC analysis for measured erythema index after a geometric series of 10 UVR doses. Skin immunohistochemistry showed increased neutrophil and CD3+ T-lymphocyte numbers post-UVR in both groups (P < 0.01) with no statistically significant differences between groups after supplementation. Cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites prostaglandin E2 (vasodilator) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoicacid (chemoattractant), respectively, increased after UVR (P < 0.05), with no differences between supplementation groups.Conclusion: Oral GTC (1080 mg/d) with vitamin C over 3 mo did not significantly reduce skin erythema, leukocyte infiltration, or eicosanoid response to UVR inflammatory challenge. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01032031.

Measured anatomical distributions of solar UVR on strawberry production workers in Italy.

The exposure of outdoor workers to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been known for some time. Measurements of erythemally weighted UVR are usually related to days of exposure and to the anatomical distribution of UVR on the human body. The aim of this research is to describe the UVR exposure of workers during a strawberry production cycle in order to assess the UVR hazard and to identify the highest exposure in the anatomical distribution of UVR on the body during an entire agricultural production cycle. This research was carried out on the experimental farm (Azienda Agraria Didattico-Sperimentale) of Università Politecnica delle Marche in Agugliano, Italy. A spectrometer was used to measure UVR, and electronic dosimeters were used to record UVR exposure. The measurements were carried out on all working days of the strawberry production cycle in 2012 during daily peak UVR levels. The daily UVR exposure geometric mean and the percentage ambient UVR in the strawberry production cycle were calculated and analyzed to assess the hazard for workers during the entire production cycle. The nape of the neck was the anatomical site most exposed to UVR. The mean daily UVR exposure on the nape of the neck was higher than 1.50 SED, the minimum value required to produce perceptible erythema in unacclimatized white skin, and a maximum value of 2.29 SED was measured. Real-time exposure data suggest that it may be useful to remind workers of the risks associated with UVR exposure.

Getting in early: primary skin cancer prevention at 55 German kindergartens

Skin neoplasms are the most frequent types of neoplasms in white populations, and their incidence is increasing. Epidemiological studies have shown that the major environmental aetiological factor for their development is sunlight exposure. Sun protection programmes are urgently needed to raise awareness of the health hazards of ultraviolet radiation. In 2010 the 'SunPass' project was implemented at 55 kindergartens in Germany. This is the first nationwide environmental education programme for sun safety designed to teach children in kindergartens and their caregivers how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. An interventional lecture, site inspections and a certification were part of the programme. Effects of these interventions were studied. The gain in knowledge and changed sun-behavioural attributes were quantified by questionnaires administered before and after the 'SunPass' interventions. The total number of children was 5424. Sun-protection behaviour after the intervention improved significantly (P < 0·001). Among parents, 22·2% reported one to five sunburns of their child since birth. There was a significant increase in hat use by children in kindergartens (P = 0·029), as well as some significantly improved shade practices. There was a significantly increased demand for protective clothing for children (P < 0·001). The change in sunscreen use in kindergartens was not significant. Although some aims of the 'SunPass' project were not fulfilled, such as the precise knowledge of skin types and a change of sunscreen use, the study had some positive outcomes in increasing the awareness of skin cancer and its prevention possibilities. The findings of the present study suggest that relatively brief interventions in kindergartens lead to improved sun protection of children. The whole investigation reaching over 5400 children and their parents underlines the importance of learning appropriate sun-protective behaviour in early childhood in order to decrease the risk for skin cancer.

Analysis of Compact Fluorescent Lights for Use by Patients with Photosensitive Conditions

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is hazardous to patients with photosensitive skin disorders, such as lupus erythematosus, xeroderma pigmentosum and skin cancer. As such, these patients are advised to minimize their exposure to UVR. Classically, this is accomplished through careful avoidance of sun exposure and artificial tanning booths. Indoor light bulbs, however, are generally not considered to pose significant UVR hazard. We sought to test this notion by measuring the UV emissions of 19 different compact fluorescent light bulbs. The ability to induce skin damage was assessed with the CIE erythema action spectrum, ANSI S(lambda) generalized UV hazard spectrum and the CIE photocarcinogenesis action spectrum. The results indicate that there is a great deal of variation amongst different bulbs, even within the same class. Although the irradiance of any given bulb is low, the possible daily exposure time is rather lengthy. This results in potential daily UVR doses ranging from 0.1 to 625 mJ cm(-2), including a daily UVB (290-320 nm) dose of 0.01 to 15 mJ cm(-2). Because patients are exposed continually over long time frames, this could lead to significant cumulative damage. It would therefore be prudent for patients to use bulbs with the lowest UV irradiance.

Intercomparison of Instruments Used for Safety and Performance Measurements of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Lamps

Public health concerns such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, bioterrorism, pandemic influenza, and sick building syndrome have brought about increased interest in the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to prevent the spread of airborne infection. UVGI lamps require that radiometric measurements be performed to ensure their safe and effective use. This study evaluates 10 detectors that measure the ultraviolet radiation hazard of low-pressure mercury UVGI lamps, including a polychromator spectroradiometer, narrowband detectors designed to measure the ultraviolet radiation in a short range of wavelengths, and broadband detectors with a varying spectral response designed to follow the UV hazard action spectrum. The angular responses, spectral responses, and linearity of the detectors were measured and compared. The agreement between the measured angular responses and the ideal cosine responses varied widely among the detectors, and in general, the detectors with diffusing optics agreed significantly better with the ideal cosine response. The spectral responses at 254 nm also varied widely among the detectors, and, in general, the narrowband detectors agreed more closely with the 254 nm irradiances measured under the same conditions by a double monochromator spectroradiometer. All detectors displayed good linearity. The angular and spectral response data were then used to develop correction factors for the effective irradiance measurements of two UVGI sources, each measured at 10, 20, and 30 cm. The measured effective irradiances were compared with those measured by a double monochromator spectroradiometer with an integrating sphere input optic. Prior to correction, the effective irradiances measured by the detectors varied widely, ranging from 0.29 to 2.7 times those measured by the spectroradiometer. The application of cosine and spectral response correction factors significantly improved the agreement for the effective irradiances measured by all of the detectors, typically to within 10–20%. Awareness of these detector characteristics can play a key role in ensuring the accuracy of health hazard measurements of UVGI lamps.

IOL filters, is there an optimal absorption?

Abstract Purpose To analyze the need for optical filtering in IOLs Methods The spectral distribution of radiation from the sun, the action spectra for diurnal rhythm regulation and vision, and the action spectra for phototoxic effects in the aphacic and pseudophacic eye were analyzed. Results Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), visible radiation and infrared radiation from the sun reaches the surface of the earth. In the aphacic eye, the retina is exposed to considerable amounts of toxic optical radiation. At the same time, optical radiation is required for vision and diurnal rhythm regulation. Therefore, an IOL needs to block toxic radiation while conserving enough light for vision and diurnal rhythm regulation. The cornea blocks out UVR below 290 nm and then gradually transmits more toward longer wavelengths. The aqueous humor and the vitreous provide some additional blocking of UVR up to 320 nm but then transmits large amounts of longer wavelength radiation up to 1400 nm. In the phacic eye, the crystalline lens, age dependently, blocks out UVR and short wavelength visible radiation. Diurnal rhythm is regulated by melatonin and the action spectrum for the regulation has a maximum around 450 nm. Scotopic vision has a maximum sensitivity around 505 nm and photopic vision around 555 nm. UVR is increasingly toxic towards shorter wavelengths. Visible light causes a retinal Type I phototoxicity with a maximum action around 505 nm and a Type II phototoxicity with a maximum action around 440 nm. Conclusion It is possible and desirable to block the UVR hazard and the Type II phototoxic reaction with conserved diurnal rhythm regulation and scotopic and photopic vision with IOLs.

Hazards of non coherent light sources as determined by the framework of IEC TR-60825-9

An overview is provided of the scope and application of IEC TR 60825-9 in determination of hazards of non coherent optical radiation sources. Specific areas reviewed in detail include those relating to hazards of ultraviolet radiation, retinal thermal hazard and blue light photochemical hazard. The effect of spectral temperature on relative risk relating to retinal thermal hazard and blue light photochemical hazard are outlined. Assessment of risk factors of these hazards was determined using a range of measurement devices including spectral radiometer, broad band power meter and a locally developed device for determination of pulse profile of pulsed light sources.

Ultraviolet Radiation Emitted by CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Arc Welding

The arcs associated with arc welding emit high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and this often causes acute injuries in the workplace, particularly photokeratoconjunctivitis. It is important to know the level of UVR emitted by arc welding under various conditions, as this information will help in evaluating potential UVR hazards in welding workplaces and taking protective measures against it. In this study, the ACGIH effective irradiance for UVR was measured experimentally for CO(2) arc welding in order to evaluate its UVR hazards. A welding robot was used in the experiment in order to realize reproducible and consistent welding operations. The effective irradiance at 1 m from the arc was in the range 0.28-7.85 W/m(2) (28-785 microW/cm(2)) under the study conditions. The corresponding permissible exposure time per day is only 4-100 s, suggesting that UVR from CO(2) arc welding is actually hazardous for the eye and skin. It was found that the effective irradiance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the arc, is strongly dependent on the direction of emission from the arc with a maximum at 50-60 degrees from the plate surface, and tends to increase with welding current.

Ultraviolet radiation emitted by CO2 arc welding

The arcs associated with arc welding emit high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and this often causes acute injuries in the workplace, particularly photokeratoconjunctivitis. It is important to know the level of UVR emitted by arc welding under various conditions, as this information will help in evaluating potential UVR hazards in welding workplaces and taking protective measures against it. In this study, the ACGIH effective irradiance for UVR was measured experimentally for CO2 arc welding in order to evaluate its UVR hazards. A welding robot was used in the experiment in order to realize reproducible and consistent welding operations.The effective irradiance at 1 m from the arc was in the range 0.28–7.85 W/m2 (28–785 μW/cm2) under the study conditions. The corresponding permissible exposure time per day is only 4–100 s, suggesting that UVR from CO2 arc welding is actually hazardous for the eye and skin. It was found that the effective irradiance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the arc, is strongly dependent on the direction of emission from the arc with a maximum at 50–60° from the plate surface, and tends to increase with welding current.

Cancer of the Skin in the Older Patient

This article focuses on the common precancers and skin cancers in the older patient. The hazards of ultraviolet radiation are explained briefly in relation to photoaging and the development of skin cancer. The etiology, clinical appearance, histopathologic diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for each type of cancer are reviewed thoroughly. It is hoped that early recognition and treatment by geriatric physicians will have a positive impact on the reduction of the morbidity and mortality associated with these cancers in the elderly.

Topical chemotherapy

This article focuses on the common precancers and skin cancers in the older patient. The hazards of ultraviolet radiation are explained briefly in relation to photoaging and the development of skin cancer. The etiology, clinical appearance, histopathologic diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for each type of cancer are reviewed thoroughly.It is hoped that early recognition and treatment by geriatric physicians will have a positive impact on the reduction of the morbidity and mortality associated with these cancers in the elderly

Bilirubin Phototherapy and Potential UVR Hazards

Bilirubin phototherapy is a treatment often used in hospitals to alleviate neonatal jaundice in newborn babies. Phototherapy utilizes blue light and although the phototherapy units emit predominantly in this region, emissions from the adjacent ultraviolet region present a possible hazard if the exposure is of sufficient duration. A study of the levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) to which patients and staff involved with phototherapy are subjected was therefore undertaken.

Potential Risks of Ultraviolet Radiation in HIV Infection

The hazards of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) include immunosuppression, activation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 expression, and photocarcinogenesis particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. Fifty-eight male homosexuals positive for HIV antibody and 61 controls not at risk for HIV infection answered a questionnaire on their attitudes and exposure to natural and artificial sources of UVR. Controls were matched for sex but were not from an at-risk group for HIV infection. Mean ages were similar for both groups. HIV seropositives had greater recreational UVR exposure than controls: 12/58 versus 4/61 had regular use of a sunbed (P less than 0.05), and experienced 11.6 weeks versus 9.5 weeks of prolonged natural UVR exposure (P = 0.056) over a four-year period. One reason for this difference may be the misconception present in two-thirds of the HIV seropositive group that a suntan would improve their health and the outcome of their HIV infection. Those with HIV infection must be made aware that there is a potential for further immunosuppression and viral activation from UVR and they should be advised to avoid undue recreational exposure.

The Sun and Water Sports

Participation in aquatic sports such as sailing, fishing, SCUBA diving, and windsurfing often entails the unavoidable hazard of exposure to high levels of solar radiation. This review discusses what is known about the health hazards of ultraviolet radiation and presents information that allows a rational approach to sun protection.