The emission from "blacklight" lamps is principally in the 320-400 nm band with detectable traces at shorter wavelengths. Complete evaluation can be made using ANSI/IESNA RP-27.1-96, "Recommended Practice for Photobiological Safety for Lamps and Lamp Systems - General Requirements." A new related document has been approved and is in the process of being printed: "Recommended Practice for Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems - Measurement Techniques," ANSI/IESNA RP 27.2-00.
If these are low wattage blacklight lamps with exposure time in tens of minutes, it is unlikely that there would be a safety issue. However, since I have never seen such equipment nor know the specific lamp, this is just an educated guess. The manufacturer of the equipment should be able to provide specific details.
Robert E. Levin, Ph.D.
Corporate Scientist
OSRAM SYLVANIA
71 Cherry Hill Drive
Beverly, MA 01915 USA
phone: (978) 750-1594
fax: (978) 750-1794
e-mail: robert.levin@sylvania.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Mannix [SMTP:rcmannix@uci.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 5:42 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: UV Lamps and Fingernails
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
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html