Ultraviolet Radiation - Essay Example

Radiation is defined as the energy that travels through space. The sun releases energy over a broad spectrum of wavelengths that include the infrared radiation felt as heat, visible light that is seen during the day, Ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can neither be seen nor felt and radio waves. Ultraviolet radiation is the electromagnetic spectrum portion between the visible light and the x-rays whose potent source is the sun. Radiations that have a short wavelength are potentially hazardous because they have more radiation energy.

Ultraviolet radiations that are experienced on earth have wavelengths ranging from 290 and 400 nanometers which are shorter than the visible light wavelength of 400 to 700 nanometers. Despite the sun being the primary source of UV radiation, there are artificial sources which include germicidal lamps, vapor emitted by mercury lamps, lasers, black lights, and tanning booths. Depending on the range of the emitted wavelength, these sources are hazardous. There are three types of UV radiations. These are UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVA is the radiation that is frequently encountered and play crucial roles in the life of a human being. This type of non-ionizing radiation is commonly encountered, but when there is excess exposure, it damages the tissues in the body. Like ionizing radiation, it is found in the workplace and is hazardous to the workforce its exposure is not checked. Humans require it for vitamin D synthesis, but overexposure suppresses the immune system, leads to the formation of cataract and skin hardening.

UVB is the most hazardous form of UV radiation because it has adequate energy that can damage tissues by ionizing atoms and destabilization of molecules within the cell. Despite its usefulness in the human body, it is potentially harmful as it causes skin cancer and erythema, especially in outdoor workers. The ozone layer in the atmosphere blocks UVB, but the depletion of this layer has led to skin cancer prevalence. On the contrary, UVC is the rare type of radiation because it is absorbed entirely by the atmosphere. Because of its capability of killing bacteria, germicidal lamps are crucial in emitting UVC rays. The dead layers of the epidermis absorb these type of UV radiation. It causes snow blindness and sunburns in an accidental contact and the victim experience extreme pain which disappears after 48 hours.

The photochemical effects of the UV radiation are intensified by the presence of x-ray machines and radioactive elements in occupational settings in research institutions, nuclear reactors, manufacturing settings, weapon production facilities, and healthcare facilities. This exposure is potentially harmful to the workers health. Because of this, OSHA has set standards that offer effective occupational safety and health programs to the workers. Protection from UV is provided by agencies in the United States such as occupational radiation protection spearheaded by the United States Department of Energy. Some organizations have conducted investigations on the safety hazards in x-ray facilities used in healthcare facilities.

Unintentional exposure to UV radiation can cause injuries that the affected person may be unaware of as it produces no instant reaction. To avoid such, UV sources are usually branded with a caution or warning label either on the wrapper or a warning symbol on the entry of a place with UV radiations. Sometimes, UV unpremeditated cases happen in the workplace that involve UV sources that the protective coverings have been removed, cracked or have fallen off. The intensity of the source of the UV and exposure length dictates the lost-time injury and hence hazard communication training is essential in the prevention of accidental workplace exposures. The employers should provide a radiation-free workplace as the law compels them to offer a secure and healthy workstation to the employees.