Infrared Radiation or Thermal: These rays are visible but its wavelength falls between 8,000 Angstroms and 0.3 mm. A body subjected to heat (over 500 ° C) emits heat radiation, which can be made visible when the body temperature is high enough. We must point out that these rays are not the only producers of caloric effects. We know that the hot bodies emit infrared up, but all radiation can be transformed into heat when absorbed.
Precisely because of their large wavelength, this radiation is a bit strong and therefore little piercing. From a biological standpoint, only the skin and outer surfaces of the body are affected by the infrared radiation. Particularly sensitive is the cornea of the eye, cataract formation may reach. Formerly, this disease was considered as typical of glass blowers.
People exposed to high intensity infrared radiation must protect the view through a type of glasses specifically designed for this form of radiation and body with clothing that has the ability to effectively dissipate heat.
Infrared radiation are in some exhibitions, eg, oxyacetylene welding and electrical operation of electric furnaces, and the dome of molten metal casting, glass blowing, etc..
Ultraviolet Radiation: At the level of radiation, ultraviolet rays are placed immediately after the visible radiation in a wavelength range between 4,000 Angstroms and 100 Angstroms. Ultraviolet radiation are more energetic than infrared radiation and visible light. Naturally, we receive ultraviolet light from the sun and such radiation is produced artificially in germicidal lamps, medical and research equipment, welding equipment, etc..
The biological effects are of greater significance than in the case of infrared light. The skin and eyes should be protected from excessive exposure. The workers most at risk are those who work outdoors in the sun and in arc welding operations. The action of ultraviolet radiation on the skin is progressive, resulting in burns that are known by the name of “Effect erythema ‘.
Many cases of skin cancer are attributed to excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet rays are easily absorbed by the body’s cells and their action is essentially superficial. They favor the formation of Vitamin D.
The erythemal effect can be measured based on arbitrary reddening of the skin, hardly noticeable, called “Minimum Perceptible Erythema (EMP). The skin can be protected by creams or lotions that absorb the radiation wavelengths that cause sunburn. The eyes should be protected by dark glasses that preferentially absorb more harmful radiation.
Incoming search terms for the article:
dark infrared safety health/why is exposure to ultraviolet radiation more harmful than infrared/which is more dangerous uv rays or infrared rays/UV vs IR biological effects/UV radiation in health care/safety implications of infrared rays/Is UV more damaging than IR/infrared radiation thermal eye injury/infrared health hazards/infrared angstroms/Tags: Infrared, Infrared and ultraviolet radiation, Radiation, Thermal, ultraviolet, wavelength