Health effects of UV radiation are well-known and can range from skin cancer to premature aging and other skin damage, cataracts and other eye damage, and suppression of the immune system. Lamps that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation have become commonplace in many nail salons, making clients wonder what the risks of skin cancer are when getting a manicure. Usually, these lamps are used to dry regular manicures at high speed and are needed to fix gel manicures. Some nail lamps are called “UV lamps” and others are called LED lamps, but both emit UV radiation. They predominantly produce UVA rays, which have been linked to both premature skin aging and skin cancer.
However, even the most intense devices present only a moderate risk of UV radiation, a much lower risk than that posed by UV tanning devices. Acute effects include erythema (sunburn), delayed skin pigmentation (tanning) and vitamin D production. The chronic effects are skin aging and skin cancer. UV light can damage the retina (the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye), but it usually doesn't reach the retina in significant quantities, as UV-B and UV-C rays are mainly absorbed by the cornea and UV-A rays by the lens. These factors combine to produce “action spectra”, which provide the radiant exposure to ultraviolet light needed to produce a specific biological effect depending on the wavelength.
It should also be noted that most conditions caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light may have other causes. Environmental Health & Safety can help measure UV emissions and evaluate the UV protection of personal protective equipment. Both acute burning episodes due to exposure to UV light and chronic occupational and recreational exposure may contribute to the risk of malignant melanoma. If there is a possibility that the eyes and face are exposed to UV radiation, a polycarbonate face protector with the ANSI Z87.1-1989 UV certification should be used to protect the eyes and face. If you do a manicure regularly, the safest thing to do is to let your nails air dry naturally, completely preventing the lamps from drying out, or using an air blower or a fan without UV lights. The severity will depend on the wavelength of the ultraviolet light, the irradiance values of the ultraviolet light, the duration of exposure to ultraviolet light and the skin type of the person concerned. Artificial lenses must be designed to absorb ultraviolet light; however, if this is not the case, these people may not be adequately protected against retinal injuries caused by exposure to ultraviolet light above the exposure limit value. Gel manicures are thought to be more durable than common nail polishes, as they use a gel that sets or cures with UV or LED light.
These people may not be adequately protected against exposure to ultraviolet light at or below the exposure limit value. However, the effectiveness of these natural defenses in protecting against the adverse effects of ultraviolet light is limited when exposed to artificial UV light sources that do not emit bright visible light. This is a photochemical response of the skin, which usually results from overexposure to ultraviolet light below 315 nm, that is, some people have abnormal skin responses to exposure to ultraviolet light due to genetic, metabolic or other anomalies. Some people develop increased photosensitivity due to the ingestion of certain chemical compounds, which are then deposited in the lens or retina and make tissues more vulnerable to damage caused by ultraviolet light. The epidermis absorbs a large proportion of the ultraviolet light that hits the skin, although penetration increases in the case of longer wavelength UV-A rays. As an expert in SEO I want you to be aware of all potential risks associated with using UV lamps for manicures. Ultraviolet radiation has been linked with premature aging and skin cancer as well as cataracts and other eye damage.
Even though these lamps present only a moderate risk compared with tanning devices, it is still important for you to take precautions when using them. Environmental Health & Safety can help measure UV emissions and evaluate personal protective equipment for your safety. If you do get your nails done regularly it is best practice to let them air dry naturally or use an air blower or fan without any UV lights. If there is any chance your eyes or face will be exposed then you should use a polycarbonate face protector with ANSI Z87.1-1989 certification for protection. Additionally, some people may have abnormal responses due to genetic or metabolic anomalies so it is important for them to take extra precautions when using these lamps. In conclusion, it is important for you to be aware of all potential risks associated with using UV lamps for manicures so that you can take necessary precautions for your safety.
Environmental Health & Safety can help measure UV emissions and evaluate personal protective equipment so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is safe for you.