Lasers, Infrared, and Ultraviolet Radiation

This category covers  lasers, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet or UV radiation. This includes natural and man-made sources of these types of radiation and possible health effects from their use.

FAQs Developed by the HPS

The following FAQs have been developed by our topic editors for this category:

  HPS FAQ   Can I Safely Use a Laser Pointer?
  HPS FAQ   Laser Safety
  HPS FAQ   Optical Fiber Communication Systems and Laser Safety
  HPS FAQ   Suntanning and Tanning Booths

Relevant HPS Web Pages

The following HPS Web pages also address this category:

  HTML page   New Revision of ANSI Z136.1 (Laser Safety Standards)
  PDF   Tanning and Ultraviolet Light Fact Sheet
  HTML page   Ultraviolet Radiation
  PDF   Ultraviolet Radiation and Public Health

Questions Answered by HPS Experts

The following health physics questions have been answered by an expert and approved by our editors for inclusion in our "Ask the Experts" feature. Click on the question to see the answer.

Questions in this Category Are in the Following Subcategories:
  •  Infrared
  •  Miscellaneous
 
Infrared
Q10677   –   Risks from use of infrared sauna
Q11378   –   Use of infrared radiation by optometrists
Q12691   –   Do infrared space heaters pose any health risk?
 
Miscellaneous
Q9450   –   Effects of UVC on humans
Q11533   –   Impact of ozone depletion on public health
Q11543   –   Germicidal lamps
Q11622   –   UV exposure in laboratory hood
Q11826   –   UV-C skin exposure in biosafety cabinet
Q11911   –   Effects of UVC on water
Q11934   –   Can cataracts be produced by UV light used to disinfect hospital rooms?
Q12035   –   Skin changes after UV-C exposure
Q12082   –   Does solar UV penetrate window glass?
Q12151   –   Solar UV-C light and vitamin D production
Q12178   –   UV-C penetration through acrylic plastic
Q12298   –   Vacuum ultraviolet light
Q12866   –   Use of bug zappers during pregnancy
Q12957   –   Ultraviolet light usage in home ventilation systems and possible odors

Other Useful Websites

The following website may also be useful:

  External website   Study Links Use of Tanning Lamps to Increased Risk of Skin Cancer – Scientific American