UV-A : Biological Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation with Emphasis on Human Responses to Longwave Ultraviolet

The origin of this text was a request by industry and government to summarize the biological effects and to estimate the limits of safe exposure to longwave ul­ traviolet radiation. The specific issue was the safety of a small medium-pressure mercury arc designed to emit UV-A (NUVA-Lite, L. D. Caulk Co. , Milford, Delaware) for photopolymerization of resinous fillings used in dentistry. How-­ ever, the context grew to become a consideration of the risks and benefits to hu­ mans of electromagnetic radiation between the biologically active short UV and the visible spectrum. We have accumulated data from our own experimental work and from the literature and have attempted to put this information in the perspective of known biologic effects of ultraviolet radiation as it influences hu­ mans. Interest in the biological effects of longwave ultraviolet radiation is increas­ ing in all of the many scientific disciplines that make up the complex field of photobiology. In order to minimize the chance for error and personal prejudice and to maximize the use of expertise, each chapter has been reviewed by several authorities. Some of the contributions of this group led to significant alterations and creative additions to the chapter, and these persons deserve not only our sin­ cere gratitude but also recognition by the reader. These include Chapters 2 and 3: Dr. Robert E. Levin, Mr. Charles P. Comeau, Mr. Donald Gonser, Dr. David Sliney; Chapter 5: Dr. Jerry Williams, Dr. Robert Webb, Dr. Madhu A. The origin of this text was a request by industry and government to summarize the biological effects and to estimate the limits of safe exposure to longwave ulƯ traviolet radiation. The specific issue was the safety of a small medium-pressure mercury arc designed to emit UV-A (NUVA-Lite, L.D. Caulk Co., Milford, Delaware) for photopolymerization of resinous fillings used in dentistry. How-Ư ever, the context grew to become a consideration of the risks and benefits to huƯ mans of electromagnetic radiation between the biologically active short UV and the visible spectrum. We have accumulated data from our own experimental work and from the literature and have attempted to put this information in the perspective of known biologic effects of ultraviolet radiation as it influences huƯ mans. Interest in the biological effects of longwave ultraviolet radiation is increasƯ ing in all of the many scientific disciplines that make up the complex field of photobiology. In order to minimize the chance for error and personal prejudice and to maximize the use of expertise, each chapter has been reviewed by several authorities. Some of the contributions of this group led to significant alterations and creative additions to the chapter, and these persons deserve not only our sinƯ cere gratitude but also recognition by the reader. These include Chapters 2 and 3: Dr. Robert E. Levin, Mr. Charles P. Comeau, Mr. Donald Gonser, Dr. David Sliney; Chapter 5: Dr. Jerry Williams, Dr. Robert Webb, Dr. Madhu A Front Matter....Pages i-ix The Spectrum of Electromagnetic Radiation: UV-A in Perspective....Pages 1-6 Sources of UV-A....Pages 7-35 Radiometry of Ultraviolet Radiation....Pages 37-57 Optical Properties of the Skin and Eyes....Pages 59-83 Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Microorganisms and Animal Cells....Pages 85-106 Immediate and Short-Term Biologic Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Normal Skin....Pages 107-139 Adverse Cutaneous Reactions to UV-A....Pages 141-155 Skin Aging and Carcinogenesis due to Ultraviolet Radiation....Pages 157-175 Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Eye....Pages 177-219 Uses of UV-A Involving Exposure of Humans....Pages 221-240 Safety Measures and Protection against Ultraviolet Exposure....Pages 241-256 Back Matter....Pages 257-262