Leica Biosystems LPC Operating Manual - Manual (Page 42)

42 Operating Manual V 1.0 – 06/2010
7.3.3 Skin injuries
Radiation in the UVA (315-400 nm) range can cause hyperpigmentation and
erythema (sunburn). Exposure in the UVB (280-315 nm) range is most injuri-
ous to skin. In addition to thermal injury caused by ultraviolet energy, there
is also possibility of radiation carcinogenesis from UVB. The shorter wave-
lengths are absorbed in the outer dead layers of the epidermis (stratum cor-
neum) and the longer wavelengths have an initial pigment-darkening effect
followed by erythema if there is exposure to excessive levels.
The dangers associated with exposure to the skin to radiation are less se-
vere than the eye injuries; however, with the increasingly widespread use of
powerful laser systems, particularly ultraviolet lasers, the skin of personnel
can be exposed to hazardous levels of radiation if they are used in non-en-
capsulated systems.
Skin burns caused by lasers can happen quite fast and with great intensity.
Protective clothing should be worn when potential exposure to direct laser
beams exist.
• Radiation in the UVC (200-280 nm) range can cause erythema (sunburn),
skin cancer and burns.
• Radiation in the UVB (280-315 nm) range can cause accelerated skin
aging, increased skin pigmentation and burns.
• Radiation in the UVA (315-400 nm) range can cause pigment darkening
and skin burns.
• Visible radiation (400-700 nm) can cause photosensitive reactions and
skin burns.
• Infrared radiation (700-100,000 nm) can cause skin burns.
7. Appendix A – Laser Safety