Ultraviolet light safety

Pigments and Extenders. Pigments are selected for use in house paints based on thek appearance and performance quaUties. Appearance includes color and opacifying abiUty. Performance quaUties include ultraviolet light resistance, fade resistance, exterior weatherabiUty, chemical resistance, as well as particle size and shape. Toxicity profiles and safety and health related properties are also important criteria in pigment selection. 

Never view the flame or hollow cathode lamps directly protective eye wear should always be worn. Safety spectacles will usually provide adequate protection from ultraviolet light, and will also provide protection for the eyes in the event of the apparatus being shattered by an explosion. 

Many cellular materials absorb ultraviolet light, leading to DNA damage and consequently to cell death. Wavelengths around 265 nm have the highest bactericidal efficiency. However, ultraviolet rays have very little ability to penetrate matter. Therefore, their use is limited to the reduction of microbial population in a room where sterility needs to be maintained, such as hospital operating rooms or clean chambers in a laboratory. X-rays are lethal to microorganisms and have penetration ability. However, they are impractical as sterilization tools due to their expense and safety concerns. 

Infrared radiation is not visible to the human eye, but these lamps emit visible light of considerable intensity along with small amounts of ultraviolet light. For this reason, protective, dark green glasses were worn during all tests and EWI recommends this as a standard safety practice. 

Bands are visualized by soaking the gel briefly in a solution of ethidium bromide or some other specific dye. In the case of ethidium bromide, the dye intercalates between base pairs. Ethidium bromide fluoresces under ultraviolet light, which facilitates detection. The size and distribution of bands can then be compared with a control that contains multiple fragments of DNA with known sizes. It should be noted that ethidium bromide is a powerful mutagen and, thus, is a significant safety concern. 

Caution Ultraviolet light is extremely dangerous to the eyes and also harmful to the skin. The apparatus should be situated in a fume hood with aluminium foil wrapped around it (this additionally serves as a light reflector). Flexible tubing for cooling water should be wired on and a suitable cut-out device for the lamp incorporated into the circuit. Disposable vinyl or latex gloves and safety glasses should be worn. Benzene is toxic contact with the liquid should be avoided. 

CAUTION Ultraviolet light can damage your eyes and skin. Always wear protective clothing and UV safety glasses when using a UV light box. 

The eyes are very vulnerable to liquid splashes, flying particles and light emissions such as ultraviolet light, electric arcs and lasers. Types of eye protectors include safety spectacles, safety goggles and face shields. Screen-based workstations are being used increasingly in industrial and commercial... 

Johnson, L. R., R. Davenport, H. Balbach, and D. J. Shaeffer. 1994. Phototoxicology. 2. Near-ultraviolet light enhancement of Microtox assays of trinitrotoluene and aminodinitrotoluenes. Ecotoxicity Environ. Safety 27 23-33. 

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) publishes a web page for comprehensive discussion of guidelines for occupational exposure to UV light and safe practices at http //www.ccohs.ca/osha answers/phys agents/ultraviolet radiation.html. 

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