Evaluation of Optical Radiation Hazards

Abstract

Methodology for the evaluation of potential optical radiation hazards has been developed in response to the increasing use of high radiance optical sources, such as lasers, compact arc lamps, tungsten-halogen lamps, and electronic flash lamps. Recent biological investigations of injury from ultraviolet radiation and studies of chorioretinal injury from high radiance sources permit a realistic ocular hazard evaluation. Safe exposure criteria that may be readily applied to practical situations have been developed from the available biological data and from experience with occupational hazards. Hazard evaluation techniques, hazard data, and general control measures are provided for a number of commonly encountered ultraviolet, visible, and infrared sources.