Introduction

This International Standard was developed in response to a worldwide demand for minimum specifications on UVC safety for products and equipment utilizing UVC lamp fixtures. In this International Standard, when it comes to personal damage of UV disinfection, the whole UVC band range is more likely to be included. As for lamps of product equipment, UVC prefers to the 254 nm wavelength.

UVC radiation is a low-penetrating form of UV as compared to UVA or UVB radiation. Measurements of human tissue show that 4 % to 7 % of UVC radiation, along with a wide range of wavelengths from 250 nm to 400 nm, is reflected[6] and absorbed in the first 2 µm of the stratum corneum. Hence, the amount of UVC transmitted through the epidermis is minimized.[7]

UVC radiation is invisible to humans and exposure to UVC radiation may have an effect on health. Ocular damage generally begins with photokeratitis but can also result in photokeratoconjunctivitis. Symptoms, which may not be evident until several hours after exposure, can include an abrupt sensation comparable to sand in eyes, tearing, and eye pain of various degrees. Such symptoms may appear within 1 h to 12 h after UVC exposure and resolve fully within 24 h to 48 h. Acute overexposure to UVC band radiation may cause incapacity due to eye discomfort, but this generally regresses after several days, leaving no permanent damage.

Cutaneous damage consists of erythema, a reddening of the skin akin to sunburn but without tanning. The maximum effect of erythema occurs at a wavelength of 297 nm in the UVB band. UVC radiation at a wavelength of 254 nm is less effective in causing erythema. Therefore, the areas subject to exposure should be marked. Warning signs should be placed in certain locations to protect personnel or passersby from UV hazards. Appropriate locations include access doors, air handling unit outside walls, equipment room doors, etc.

TheInternationalCommissiononIllumination(CIE)2010completedareviewofUVCphotocarcinogenesis risks from germicidal lamps using basic biophysical principles due to the attenuation provided by the stratum corneum and epithelial tissues of the skin. Upper air disinfection could be safely used without significant risk for long-term delayed effects such as skin cancer.[5]

BS EN ISO 15858:2016

UV-C Devices. Safety information. Permissible human exposure

Current, Under Review

Published:

31 Aug 2016