Lighting and Non-
Ionizing Radiation
Day 6 Section 16
Can you give examples of non-
ionizing radiations?
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LIGHTING AND NON-IONIZING
RADIATION
● Electromagnetic waves are produced by the motion of electrically charged particles.
● These waves are also called "electromagnetic radiation" because they radiate from the electrically
charged particles.
● They travel through empty space as well as through air and can penetrate some other substances.
● Radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and x rays are all examples of electromagnetic waves.
LIGHTING AND NON-IONIZING
RADIATION
As with sound energy, Electromagnetic Radiation can be described in terms of its frequency (or wavelength) and
its intensity.
f1
Where: = wavelength
f = frequency
The frequency (Hz) is inversely proportional to the wavelength (nm), so higher frequencies have shorter
wavelengths:
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Non - Ionizing Ionizing
Non-ionising and Ionising radiation
● The distinction between non-ionising and ionising radiation is
simply one of associated energy.
● For the ionising region of the electromagnetic spectrum, the
ener gy incident upon a m ater ial is lar ge enough to remove an
electron from an atom orbit to produce ionisation.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
● UV is invisible radiation produced naturally by the sun
(solar radiation) and artificially in indus try via arcs (e.g.
welding) operating at high temperatures.
● Eyes and skin are particularly vulnerable.
● Sunburn, blistering of the skin.
● Premature ageing and thickening (keratosis) of the
skin.
● Skin cancer.
● Conjunctivitis.
Infrared (IR) Radiation
● IR radiation is emitted by hot bodies, e.g. furnaces and gas torches.
● Its primary effect is heating of surface tissues.
● Excessive exposure to radiant heat will produce immediate discomfort and
therefore a suitable warning of impending damage is provided, usually before
burning can occur.
Laser Radiation
LASER = 'Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation'.
● Concentrated beam of non-ionising radiation
○ Of a s ingle wavelength or a narr ow wavelength band
○ In the visible and infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum
● Hazardous due to concentrated intensity.
● Damage eyes from repairable burns to permanent blindness.
● Cataract formation may also occur.
● Lasers have widespread use, e.g. in communications, construction, medical applications, research,
surveying.
Laser Classifications
Class 1 Safe
Class 1M Safe provided optical instruments are
not used.
Class 2 Visible lasers. Safe for accidental
exposure.
Class 2M Visible lasers. Safe for accidental
exposure providing optical
instruments are not used.
Class 3R Not safe. Low risk. Warning label for Class
2 and higher
Class 3 B Hazardous. Viewing of diffuse
reflection is safe.
Class 4 Hazardous. Viewing of diffuse reflection
is also hazardous. Fire risk.
Microwave Radiation
● Microwaves are produced by molecular vibration in solid bodies.
● The primary effect on the body is thermal - burning of the skin and eyes.
● Prolonged exposure to low level microwave radiation has been linked with
headaches, sleeplessness, irritability, fatigue and memory loss.
● Microwaves are widely used in applications like wireless computing and mobile
phone networks.
● Much public concern has been raised about the possibility of serious long-term
health effects such as cancer. As yet, research has failed to dem ons trate s uch a link
conclus ively.
Visible
4 0 0 to 700 nm
L I GH TIN
G
In terms of occupational hygiene we are concerned with the subjective feeling of visual comfort, and
good illumination which is described in terms of the quantity and quality of the lighting.
Quantity - this is the amount of illumination on the task. It is measured in lux and must be
sufficient for the worker to undertake the task.
Quality - is the suitability of the illumination, for example the distribution of brightness in a visual
environment, the colour of light, its direction, diffusion and the degree of glare.
Evaluation of Illumination
● Li ght meter (often ter med a 'Lux' meter ).
● Colour corrected to respond to the human eye.
Any brightness within the field of vision that
Glare causes discomfort, annoyance, interference with
vision, or eye fatigue.
○ Disability glare
○ Discomfort glare
○ Reflected glare
Thank you
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