| |
 |
|
|
Science Forum Index » Optics Forum » UV LIght Harmful?
Page 1 of 1
|
| Author |
Message |
| John E. Campano |
 Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 5:57 am |
|
|
|
Guest
|
I have a question about ultraviolet light.
I was under the impression that it is harmful to the eyes. At least people
I've seen in tanning booths and university labs wear eye protection when
being exposed to UV.
But recently my neighborhood bar installed "black lights" on the dance
floor. It causes white clothing to glow. Unless I'm mistaken, that's UV
light.
So is the bar putting its patrons at risk, exposing their eyes to UV without
eye protection, or is it safe? Or are people who wear eye protection when
working with UV being over cautious? What exactly is the risk of UV to your
eyes if you can't see it? Thanks in advance. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| Petri Kärhä |
| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 7:12 am |
|
|
|
Guest
|
John E. Campano wrote:
Quote: So is the bar putting its patrons at risk, exposing their eyes to UV without
eye protection, or is it safe? Or are people who wear eye protection when
working with UV being over cautious? What exactly is the risk of UV to your
eyes if you can't see it? Thanks in advance.
It all depends on the dose and wavelength of the radiation. UVA (315 -
400 nm) is pretty harmles. This is what you get from those black-light
disco tubes. It is not dangerous if you don't stare to the tubes for
long periods. The dose remains so low that you don't even get suntan.
UVB (280-315 nm) and UVC regions (below 280 nm) are more dangerous.
Solaria contain lot's of UVB, this is what causes suntan. It can also
burn eyes, so eyes should be protected.
UVC is ectremely dangerous. Also skin should be protected when working
with UVC lamps.
Pete |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| Repeating Decimal |
| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 4:56 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
in article 1Mkxb.506488$9l5.194246@pd7tw2no, John E. Campano at SPAM@shaw.ca
wrote on 11/27/03 2:57 AM:
Quote: I have a question about ultraviolet light.
I was under the impression that it is harmful to the eyes. At least people
I've seen in tanning booths and university labs wear eye protection when
being exposed to UV.
But recently my neighborhood bar installed "black lights" on the dance
floor. It causes white clothing to glow. Unless I'm mistaken, that's UV
light.
So is the bar putting its patrons at risk, exposing their eyes to UV without
eye protection, or is it safe? Or are people who wear eye protection when
working with UV being over cautious? What exactly is the risk of UV to your
eyes if you can't see it? Thanks in advance.
Some old black light bulbs were merely incandescant lamps with a purplish
coating to keep visible light from getting out. The effects were not very
vivid. Those, in all liklihood, did little harm. If your pupil opened up
because of low visible light level, more infrared and UV could get in than
from a uncoated lamp.
Bill |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| Chuck Taylor |
| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 11:11 pm |
|
|
|
Guest
|
Hi John,
UV is not a specific wavelength, but a range, just like visible light ranges
from red to blue. At one end you have the cheap "blacklights" unable to do
much more than make your white shirt to look funny. At the other end you are
doing a lot of damage. Inbetween you have the tanning booths.
Clear Skies
Chuck Taylor
Do you observe the moon?
Try the Lunar Observing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lunar-observing/
"John E. Campano" <SPAM@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:1Mkxb.506488$9l5.194246@pd7tw2no...
Quote: I have a question about ultraviolet light.
I was under the impression that it is harmful to the eyes. At least people
I've seen in tanning booths and university labs wear eye protection when
being exposed to UV.
But recently my neighborhood bar installed "black lights" on the dance
floor. It causes white clothing to glow. Unless I'm mistaken, that's UV
light.
So is the bar putting its patrons at risk, exposing their eyes to UV
without
eye protection, or is it safe? Or are people who wear eye protection when
working with UV being over cautious? What exactly is the risk of UV to
your
eyes if you can't see it? Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
|
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT - 5 Hours
The time now is Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:13 pm
|
|