Last Revised: April 12, 2024
Description
Ultraviolet light (UV) is non-ionizing radiation in the 180 to 400-nanometer wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The ultraviolet spectrum is commonly divided into the following three regions:
|
Region |
Region Name |
Wavelength (nm) |
|
UVA |
Black Light |
315-400 |
|
UVB |
Erythermal |
280-314 |
|
UVC |
Germicidal |
180-280 |
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is typically limited to the UVA region resulting from exposure to direct sunlight. The Earth's atmosphere shields us from the more harmful UVC and greater than 99% of UVB radiation. However, some equipment can generate concentrated UV radiation in all the spectral regions that, if used without the appropriate shielding and personal protective equipment, can cause injury with only a few seconds of exposure.
Common Sources of UV Radiation in the Laboratory
There are several sources of UV radiation in the laboratory including germicidal lamps in biological safety cabinets, nucleic acid transillumination boxes, nucleic acid crosslinkers and UV lasers. For laser safety information, please refer to the Laser Safety Manual.
Hazards Associated with Exposure to Ultraviolet Light
An unfortunate property of UV radiation is that there are no immediate warning symptoms to indicate overexposure. Symptoms of overexposure including varying degrees of erythema (sunburn) or photokeratitis (welder's flash) typically appear hours after exposure has occurred.
Skin Injury
UV radiation can initiate a photochemical reaction called erythema within exposed skin. This "sunburn" can be quite severe and can occur as a result of only a few seconds exposure. Effects are exaggerated for skin photosensitized by agents such as coal tar products, certain foods (e.g., celery root), certain medications and photoallergens. Chronic skin exposure to UV radiation has been linked to premature skin aging, wrinkles and skin cancer.
Eye Injury
UV radiation exposure can injure the cornea, the outer protective coating of the eye. Photokeratitis is a painful inflammation of the eye caused by UV radiation-induced lesions on the cornea. Symptoms include a sensation of sand in the eye that may last up to two days. Chronic exposures to acute high-energy UV radiation can lead to the formation of cataracts.
Special Work Practices
Never allow the skin or eyes to be exposed to UV radiation sources. The UV radiation generated by laboratory equipment can exceed recommended exposure limits and cause injury with exposures as brief as three seconds in duration.
Biological Safety Cabinets
Never work in a biological safety cabinet while the germicidal lamp is on. If possible, close the sash while lamp is on.
Transilluminators
Never use a transilluminator without the protective shield in place. Shields must be kept clean and replaced when damaged.
Crosslinkers
Crosslinkers must not be used if the door safety interlock is not working properly.
Equipment Labeling
Many overexposures to UV radiation have occurred as a result of individuals not knowing the hazards associated with UV-emitting equipment. To help prevent eye and skin injuries, any equipment that emits UV radiation must be conspicuously labeled with a caution label. The label should contain language similar to:
|
CAUTION UV RADIATION HAZARD USE ONLY WITH SHIELDING IN PLACE PROTECT EYES AND SKIN FROM EXPOSURE TO UV LIGHT |
Caution labels are available from EHRS or may be available from the manufacturer of the UV light product.
Personal Protective Equipment
Protective Clothing
Wear standard laboratory apparel including a fully buttoned lab coat, long pants and closed toe shoes. While working with UV radiation sources, lab workers must be particularly vigilant to prevent gaps in protective clothing that commonly occur around the neck and wrist areas.
Eye/Face Protection
If there is any potential for the eyes and face to be exposed to UV radiation, a polycarbonate face shield stamped with the ANSI Z87.1-1989 UV certification must be worn to protect the eyes and face. Ordinary prescription eyeglasses may not block UV radiation. UV certified goggles and safety glasses will protect the eyes, but it is common for lab workers to suffer facial burns in the areas not covered by the goggles or glasses.
Gloves
Wear disposable nitrile gloves to protect exposed skin on the hands. Ensure wrists and forearms are covered between the tops of gloves and the bottom of the lab coat sleeves.
Emergencies
Emergency Contacts
General emergency response information can be found at Emergency Info
EHRS UV Light/Radiation Services
Measurements
EHRS has instrumentation to accurately measure UV radiation generated by laboratory equipment. Based upon the strength of the UV radiation source and the duration of worker exposure, we can provide information on recommended occupational exposure limits. EHRS can also confirm the performance of safety equipment including equipment shielding and personal protective equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations
EHRS is available to recommend appropriate personal protective equipment suited for the particular source of UV radiation.
Training
EHRS is available to provide training to lab workers on safe work practices and procedures for working with specific UV radiation sources.
Please contact EHRS at (215) 898-4453 to arrange for any of the above services or for any questions pertaining to UV radiation safety in the laboratory.