Assessing the ultraviolet exposure level in welding workers of sar-cheshmeh copper complex

ABSTRACT

Because of being exposed to a wide range of ultraviolet radiations, welders are prone to eye and skin diseases. This study aims at determining the ultraviolet exposure level in welding workers of Sar-Cheshmeh Copper Complex. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 on all welding workers of the complex using Hagner UV digital radiometer. The mean value for the received ultraviolet radiation level was 0.09 +/- 0.045 j[2]/cm[2]. The level of UV exposure was significantly different [p=0.001] for the welders working in different units of the complex. The mineworkers received the highest level of radiation [0.14 j[2]/cm[2]]. In this study, the ultraviolet exposure of welding workers is below the allowable threshold limit for UV radiation