Protecting Workers from Ultraviolet Radiation Editors: Paolo Vecchia, Maila Hietanen, Bruce E. Stuck Emilie van Deventer, Shengli Niu International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection In Collaboration with: International Labour Organization World Health Organization ICNIRP 14/2007 International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection ICNIRP Cataloguing in Publication Data Protecting Workers from Ultraviolet Radiation Protection ICNIRP 14/2007 1. Ultraviolet Radiation 2. Biological effects 3. Non-Ionizing Radiation ISBN 978-3-934994-07-2 The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection welcomes requests for permission to reproduce or translate its publications, in part or full. Applications and enquiries should be addressed to the Scientific Secretariat, which will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to the text, plans for new editions, and reprints and translations already available. © International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection 2007 Publications of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection enjoy copyright protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. All rights reserved. ICNIRP Scientific Secretary Dr. G. Ziegelberger Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz Ingolstädter Landstraße 1 85764 Oberschleißheim Germany Tel: (+ 49 1888) 333 2156 Fax: (+49 1888) 333 2155 e-mail: [email protected] www.icnirp.org Printed by DCM, Meckenheim International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) is an independent scientific organization whose aims are to provide guidance and advice on the health hazards of non-ionizing radiation exposure. ICNIRP was established to advance non-ionizing radiation protection for the benefit of people and the environment. It develops international guidelines on limits of exposure to non-ionizing radiations which are independent and science based; provides science based guidance and recommendations on protection from non-ionizing radiation exposure; establishes principles of non-ionizing radiation protection for formulating international and national protection programmes. ICNIRP is the formally recognized non-governmental organization in non-ionizing radiation for the World Health Organization and the International Labour Office, maintains a close liaison and working relationship with all international bodies engaged in the field of non-ionizing radiation protection, and represents radiation protection professionals worldwide through its close collaboration with the International Radiation Protection Association and its national societies. Work is conducted in four standing committees - on Epidemiology, Biology, Physics and Engineering and Optical Radation - and in conjunction with appropriate international and national health and research organizations as well as universities and other academic institutions. During the preparation of this document, the composition of the ICNIRP was as follows: 2000-2004 2004-2007 McKinlay A, Chairperson (UK) Vecchia P, Chairperson (Italy) Bernhardt J, Vice-Chairperson (Germany) Hietanen M, Vice-Chairperson (Finland) Ahlbom A (Sweden) Ahlbom A (Sweden) Césarini J-P (France) Anderson L (USA) de Gruijl F (Netherlands) Breitbart E (Germany) Hietanen M (Finland) De Gruijl F (Netherlands) Owen R (USA) – up to 2002 Lin J (USA) Sliney D (USA) Matthes R (Germany) Söderberg P (Sweden) – since 2002 Peralta A (Philippines) Swerdlow A (UK) Söderberg P (Sweden) Taki M (Japan) Stuck B (USA) Tenforde T (USA) Swerdlow A (UK) Vecchia P (Italy) Taki M (Japan) Veyret B (France ) Veyret B (France) Matthes R, Scientific Secretary (Germany) Ziegelberger G, Scientific Secretary (Germany) Working Group. This document was prepared by the following SCIV and other experts: Breitbart E (Germany) Roy C (Australia) Césarini J-P (France) Schulmeister K (Austria) de Gruijl F (Netherlands) Sliney D (USA) Diffey B (UK) Söderberg P (Sweden) Hietanen M (Finland) Stuck B (USA) Mariutti G (Italy) Swerdlow A (UK) McKinlay A (UK) van Deventer E (WHO – Switzerland) Okuno T (Japan) Zeeb H (Germany) PREFACE The objective of this book is to provide information and advice on protecting workers from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. The adverse health effects of both acute and chronic UVR exposures are reviewed, emphasizing solar UVR exposure of the outdoor worker. Epidemiological observations and health consequences concerning exposure to UVR (180-400 nm) are also addressed. ACKNOWLEGEMENT The ICNIRP wishes to thank the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization for their financial and technical contribution and cooperation in the preparation of this book on protection of workers against ultraviolet radiation. Their support is gratefully acknowledged. Disclaimer The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the International Commission on Non- Ionizing Radiation Protection and the collaborating organizations of this publication concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers' products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the collaboration organizations in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the collaboration organizations to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the collaboration organizations be liable for damages arising from its use. Protecting Workers from Ultraviolet Radiation PROTECTING WORKERS FROM ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION Table of Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................11 2. Characteristics of UVR...............................................................................................................12 2.1 Basic Concepts .......................................................................................................................12 2.2 Solar Radiation .......................................................................................................................12 2.2.1 The solar spectrum..........................................................................................................13 2.2.2 The effect of sun angles and clouds................................................................................13 2.3 Artificial Sources....................................................................................................................15 2.3.1 Germicidal lamps............................................................................................................15 2.3.2 Fluorescent lamps ...........................................................................................................15 2.3.3 General lighting fluorescent lamps .................................................................................15 2.3.4 Metal halide and mercury lamps.....................................................................................15 2.3.5 Xenon lamps ...................................................................................................................16 2.3.6 Quartz halogen lamps .....................................................................................................16 2.3.7 Welding arcs ...................................................................................................................16 2.3.8 Ultraviolet lasers and light emitting diodes (LEDs) .......................................................16 2.3.9 Optical components and filtering....................................................................................16 3. Biological and Health Effects.....................................................................................................17 3.1 Biologically Significant Exposure: Dosimetry .......................................................................17 3.2 Biological Effects on the Skin ................................................................................................17 3.2.1 Structure and physiology of the skin ..............................................................................18 3.2.2 Acute effects on the skin.................................................................................................20 3.2.3 Chronic effects on the skin ...................................................................................................24 3.3 Effects on the Eye.........................................................................................................................25 3.3.1 Structure