Working environment factors
How does ultraviolet radiation affect workers’ health?
May
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that can have negative effects on human health, especially for workers exposed to UV in their working environment. However, with the increasing industrial and medical activities involving the use of UV rays for disinfection, cleaning, and food and beverage processing, the risk of exposure to this radiation for employees has become higher.
So, how does ultraviolet radiation affect workers’ health? Let’s explore in the following article.
1. What is Ultraviolet Radiation?
Ultraviolet radiation (also called UV rays) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a shorter wavelength than visible light. UV radiation is classified into three main types: UVA, UVB, and UVC, depending on their wavelength and energy.
- UVA has a wavelength of 315 – 400nm, the longest wavelength among UV radiation, can penetrate deep into the skin, and is considered the main cause of skin aging and vision problems.
- UVB has a wavelength of 280 – 315nm, shorter than UVA, can cause sunburn, skin damage, and is the main cause of skin cancer.
- UVC has a wavelength of 100 – 280nm, the shortest wavelength and highest energy, but it cannot penetrate the Earth’s ozone layer, so it does not affect human health.
UV radiation is produced by the sun and reflected from various surfaces such as the ground, water, and snow. It is also generated during the use of UV for disinfection, cleaning, or drying surfaces, in industrial and medical production processes, and in food and beverage processing.
2. Sources of Ultraviolet Radiation
The main source of UV radiation is the sun. Solar energy reaching the Earth contains a range of radiation forms, including UV rays. In addition, UV-producing devices are also a source of UV, including UV lamps used for disinfection, cleaning, food and beverage processing, medical instruments, as well as UV equipment used in production, such as UV curing machines and UV printers.
Other sources of UV include reflection from surfaces such as soil, water, snow, or black-colored advertising boards. However, UV from these sources is not primary and is more random compared to the sun or UV production devices.
3. Occupations Exposed to Hazardous UV Radiation
Occupations with UV radiation hazards can be divided into two main groups: jobs related to production technology and UV-emitting devices, and outdoor jobs.
In the group related to production technology and UV-emitting devices, industries include:
- Production of dyes, printing inks, paints, adhesives, etc.
- Food and beverage processing industries.
- Manufacturing and repairing medical equipment, electronic devices, etc.
- Construction material production and related products.
In the group of outdoor occupations, industries include:
- Agriculture and forestry.
- Mining and construction.
- Transportation.
- Road, bridge, and dyke construction and maintenance.
Workers in these industries often face prolonged and high-level UV exposure, leading to adverse health effects such as sunburn, skin cancer, and skin aging. Therefore, proper protective measures are necessary to minimize UV health impacts.
4. How UV Radiation Affects Worker Comfort
UV radiation can negatively affect workers’ health, impacting comfort and work performance. Effects include:
- Causing sunburn, pain, and discomfort, reducing concentration and work efficiency, and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
- Reducing skin elasticity, making skin dry and wrinkled, causing discomfort and lower self-esteem.
- Dehydration from prolonged UV exposure, leading to fatigue and reduced performance.
- Long-term UV exposure can cause eye redness and eye diseases affecting vision.
To minimize UV effects on health and comfort, protective measures such as wearing UV-blocking glasses, sunscreen, protective clothing, and scheduling work during safe hours are essential.
5. Permissible UV Exposure at the Workplace
According to QCVN 23:2016/BYT – National Technical Regulation on Ultraviolet Radiation – Permissible UV exposure at the workplace:
Table 2. Permissible exposure for eyes to near-field UV radiation.
| Permissible Exposure | Exposure Time |
| ≤ 1.0 J/cm2 | < 103 seconds (~16.7 minutes) |
| ≤1.0 mW/cm2 | ≥ 103 seconds (~16.7 minutes) |
Note: There are two assessment methods: Radiation Energy (unit: J) and Radiation Power (unit: W). 1 mW = 1 mJ/second.
6. Diseases Caused by Long-term Hazardous UV Exposure
Prolonged UV exposure can lead to occupational diseases such as:
- Genetic mutations in skin cells, leading to skin cancer.
- Dry, discolored skin, wrinkles, and brown spots.
- Skin irritation and allergic reactions, causing redness, itching, and discharge.
- Cataracts and other eye damage, including periocular skin cancer and retinal degeneration.
- Immune system-related diseases, e.g., lupus.
To prevent UV-related diseases, workers should use protective clothing, glasses, gloves, masks, and sunscreen. UV shielding and controlled exposure are also recommended.
7. Measures to Reduce UV Radiation Impact on Workers’ Health
To minimize UV impact, apply the following measures:
- Use protective equipment such as glasses, hats, clothing, gloves, and safety shoes to protect skin and eyes.
- Sunscreen effectively protects the skin from UV rays.
- UV shields or sensor-activated UV lamps can control UV exposure in the workplace.
- Schedule work during low-exposure times, reduce frequency of UV source use, and use work areas with sufficient natural light.
- Workers exposed to UV should undergo regular health checks to detect and treat UV-related illnesses.
- Worker training: Train employees on health protection measures to safeguard themselves in UV environments.
- Regular workplace environmental monitoring in factories to collect and analyze hazardous factors and adjust to prevent occupational diseases.
8. National Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists and modern equipment, the center ensures accurate and reliable measurements.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also supports customers in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following the motto “customer-centric,” it prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and provides the best solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the most reputable units in workplace environmental monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, with goals such as:
- Maintaining brand reputation and service quality.
- Providing customers with the best and most suitable services.
- Working with experienced MSc and Engineer teams aiming to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Partnering with Nam Viet Monitoring, your company receives professional services with experts in the monitoring field and the best cost incentives.
9. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses perform workplace environmental monitoring professionally and efficiently, Nam Viet provides customers with a comprehensive and reasonably priced service quotation.
- Our quotation details prices for monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting costs. Customers can trust the accuracy and reliability of our reports.
- We commit to offering competitive and reasonable prices while providing professional and prompt consultation.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose the service package that fits their needs, ensuring maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.
