UV Lamps and Fingernails

[Rick Mannix <rcmannix@uci.edu>]

A lady on campus inquired whether there are any safety issues related to
the use of UV drying/bonding lamps which are frequently used in the
manicure business. Apparently, once the coloring gel is applied to one's
fingernails, a UV lamp (blue light is emitted also) is operated to dry/bond
the gel.

Does anybody know what wavelengths of UV are emitted by these lamps? I
believe that they emit UVA radiation, and that the lamps are essentially
"black lights", but I do not know this for certain. An Internet search for
safety matters involved with these lamps was not fruitful.

Any safety-related information concerning these UV fingernail gel drying
systems would be greatly appreciated.



Rick Mannix
Health Physicist
Laser Safety Officer
University of California
EH&S Office
4600 Bison Ave.
Irvine, CA 92697-2725

949-824-6098
949-824-8539   fax
rcmannix@uci.edu
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