Optical radiation includes ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation, and can be emitted by artificial lighting devices. Exposure to certain types of radiation can be harmful to human health, so it is important to understand and regulate it in workplaces. The European Parliament and Council have issued a directive on artificial optical radiation to ensure safety and health requirements are met. Different industries use specialized light sources, and employers must carry out risk assessments to prevent long-term health risks from exposure.
Optical radiation refers to the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation which ranges in wavelengths from 100 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm) including infrared radiation, visible light and ultraviolet radiation. Radiation with wavelengths at the lower end, between 100 nm and 400 nm, are classified as ultraviolet radiation, while those between 400 nm and 800 nm refer to visible light, which can be seen with the human eye . The wavelengths of light above this level, from 800 nm to 1 mm, are said to belong to the infrared radiation band. While invisible to the human eye, ultraviolet and infrared radiation do affect it, depending on the duration of exposure, making it important to fully understand optical radiation when creating artificial lighting devices.
Artificial light is also a source of optical radiation, whether it emits visible or invisible light. Televisions and computer screens, concert lights, welding lights and tanning lamps are just a few of the devices people use constantly. Knowing the type of light emitted and the duration of exposure is essential to determine if there are any optical risks in using such devices. In 2002, the European Parliament and the Council issued a Directive on Artificial Optical Radiation which defines optical radiation and highlights the minimum safety and health requirements for people working with this type of radiation in their workplaces. Some types of radiation, such as sunlight, microwaves, radio waves and X-rays, are not covered by this directive.
Different types of radiation are beneficial or harmful to a person’s health depending on the duration of exposure. For example, sunlamps that emit ultraviolet radiation are used by many to tan within set times. However, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, whether from artificial light or natural sunlight, can lead to skin damage and premature skin aging; prolonged exposure to infrared rays is also harmful. While most light sources used in workplaces do not present any optical radiation risk to workers, it is important that those designing these environments are aware of the risks and keep exposure limit values in mind.
Some of the industries where specialized light sources are used include industrial lasers, welding and metalworking, and television studio lighting. Other areas include ultraviolet curing lamps, stage lighting and tanning lights. While the directive was primarily created to prevent workers from being exposed to excessive radiation and to detect any undesirable health effects early, it also seeks to prevent any long-term health risks from regular exposure. Employers must carry out risk assessments in accordance with the directive and use action plans including various measures to ensure that exposure limit values are not exceeded.
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