Effect of the ultraviolet unweighted irradiance on the compliance of sunbeds in Spain.

The use of tanning devices in Spain is regulated by the Royal Decree 1002/2002, which is based on the European standard EN60335-2-27. The European standard establishes that the total unweighted irradiance between 200 and 280 nm must not exceed 0.003 Wm-2, a requirement that the Spanish regulation modified to 0.03 Wm-2 from 250 to 295 nm. With these differences, the compliance consideration of an artificial tanning device can vary. Spectral irradiance measurements of 41 tanning devices performed with a high-resolution spectroradiometer were analyzed. None of the tanning devices had irradiances higher than 0.003 Wm-2 between 250 (the shortest wavelength measured by the spectroradiometer) and 280 nm, but the limit required by Spanish regulation was exceeded by 11 devices, of which one would have been considered compliant according to the European standard since the effective irradiance was lower than 0.3 Wm-2. Beyond noting the differences that can occur in sunbed inspections according to the established criteria, this work has shown the differences in the spectral and total values of devices in use in Spain, validating the need for periodic inspections.

Mitochondria and light: An overview of the pathways triggered in skin and retina with incident infrared radiation.

Slightly more than half of the solar radiation that passes through the atmosphere and reaches the Earth's surface is infrared. Over the past few years, many papers have been published on the possible positive effects of receiving this part of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this article we analyse the role of mitochondria in the supposed effects of infrared light based on the published literature. It is claimed that ATP synthesis is stimulated, which has a positive effect on the skin by increasing fibroblast proliferation, anchorage and production of collagen fibres, procollagen, and various cytokines responsible for the wound healing process, such as keratinocyte growth factor. Currently there are infrared light emitting equipment whose manufacturers and the centres where this service or treatment is offered claim that they are used for skin rejuvenation among other positive effects. Based on the literature review, it is necessary to deepen the scientific study of the mechanism of absorption of infrared radiation through the skin to better understand its possible positive effects, the risks of overexposure and to improve consumer health protection.

Effects of infrasound on health: looking for improvements in housing conditions.

The latest technological innovations have considerably increased the field of application for infrasound, and the possible risks that infrasound may present to those exposed to it must be taken into account. The main task of this article is to organize and summarize recent studies on the most common artificial emitting sources and the effects that these non-audible frequencies have on health when absorbed by the body, as well as presenting the existing regulations, a discussion and a series of conclusions that clarify aspects of infrasound. The intention of the authors of this article is that what is exposed in this review can be used to address and determine future lines of research and promote architects to take the spaces of installations within a building very seriously as well as carry out competent administration considering a minimum distance from the road to where habitable buildings are planned.

Phacoemulsification: Proposals for Improvement in Its Application.

A cataract is defined as opacity of the crystalline lens. It is currently one of the most prevalent ocular pathologies and is generally associated with aging. The most common treatment for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery is a quick and painless process, is very effective, and has few risks. The operation consists of removing the opacified lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens. The most common intraocular lens removal procedure that is currently used is phacoemulsification. The energy applied in this process is generated by ultrasonic waves, which are mechanical waves with a frequency higher than 20 kHz. A great deal of research on the different ways to perform the stages of this surgical procedure and the analysis of the possible side effects of the operation has been published, but there is little information on the technical characteristics, the intensities applied, and the use of ultrasound-emitting (U/S) equipment for cataract removal. More studies on the method and depth of absorption of ultrasonic waves in our visual system when performing the phacoemulsification procedure are needed. It would be advisable for health authorities and medical professionals to develop guidelines for the handling and use of ultrasonic wave-emitting equipment, such as those that exist for ultrasound and physiotherapy. This could help us to reduce undesirable effects after the operation.