Resources
::
Materials Safety Data Sheet
::: Ultraviolet Black Light 4 to 18 Watts
| Glo Germ Company PO Box 189 Moab, Utah 84532 |
Emergency & Information Telephone Numbers 1-800-842-6622 |
| March 7, 2006 | |
Long-wave, UV-A, ultraviolet light, with wavelengths at 3500 to 3800 angstrom units, is totally harmless to skin and eyes. It causes no changes in the body and requires no protective precautions in normal use as recommended by the Glo Germ Company.
Short-wave, UV-B, ultraviolet light, with wavelengths at 2537 angstrom units, does cause chemical
changes in the body, such as the formation of vitamin D. With prolonged exposure, reddening of the
skin and inflammation of the eyes may occur. While these are uncomfortable effects, they are temporary
and no permanent damage will result. Ordinary glass or plastic will completely filter out short-wave
ultraviolet light.
UV-A long-wave light within the range outlined above is relatively safe. However, prolonged exposure
of the black light to the eyes may cause eye irritation. Symptoms, which can include tearing of the eyes,
a burning or painful sensation in the eyes, sensitivity to light, or a sensation like that experienced when
a foreign object is lodged in the eye, may not be present until several hours after exposure. To reduce
likelihood of experiencing adverse symptoms, individuals should properly shield themselves and use the
black lights only as directed. The above assumes a healthy eye and no corrective lenses. Therefore, the
Glo Germ Company recommends that the lamp never be held within 6 inches of the eyes and do not
look into the bulb at close range longer than three minutes. This lamp should be used under adult
supervision.
Exposure to UV lights should be limited. Black lights should not be tampered with, nor should their
shields or lenses be removed. The Glo Germ Company uses black lights to detect “simulated” germs on
hands and surfaces. Therefore, hands and surfaces only should be exposed to the light. Individuals
should not look directly at the black light.
Please Note: Individuals sensitive to UV light, taking photosensitizing medications, or those who lack
optic lenses or who may have other abnormal eye conditions may not be adequately protected against
exposure to artificial UV light and should avoid it altogether.
Ultra Shortwave, UV-C radiation has been known to cause blindness, “blind spots” in the eyes, sunburning of the skin, and skin cancer. For these reasons, Glo Germ does not use short-wave, UV-C, lights. These lamps are used to disinfect objects, to sterilize water or other liquids, in tanning booths, in special laboratory applications, and is the main ultraviolet wave length from the sun and welder torches. The wavelength is between 2000 and 2500 angstrom units.
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