Assessment Of Occupational Exposure To Ultraviolet And Infrared Rays In Some Workstations In An Industrial Unit In Ahvaz City

Background: Ultraviolet ray (UV) is one of the types of non-ionizing rays and due to its high energy, can have biological effects. Infrared rays are absorbed as heat by the skin and eyes and have side effects such as skin redness, burns, hyperpigmentation In the skin, local dilation of capillaries and cataracts.Methods : In this cross-sectional study, the amount of ultraviolet and Infrared rays in some workstations of an industrial unit was measured in Ahvaz city . To measure ultraviolet and infrared rays direct reading devices were used . Lutron uv meter for UV rays and EC۱-IR hanger for IR rays . Measurement was done In two cases, using personal protective equipment and without personal protection for the workers involved with the pollutant, as well as in the place of people close to the radiation source and at the work site. Finally, the results were compared with reference standards.Results: In ۸ stations, the measured values of rays were higher than the standard. The average amount of infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation in the measurement stations were equal to ۶.۷۱(mW/cm۲) and ۰.۹۶(mW/cm۲) respectively.Conclusion: According to the findings of the current research, the amount of exposure to ultraviolet and infrared rays in some stations was more than permissible, and intervention actions should be taken to reduce the exposure.

Keywords:

Ultraviolet ray , Infrared ray , Occupational exposure , Ahwaz.