Playing It Safe at Work

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

When most people think of workplace hazards, they picture mines, factories, or a construction site. Not many would consider a school gymnasium or a comfortable office an unsafe place to work. However, even the most mundane work environments can pose health hazards that might range from mild discomfort to serious injury or illness. In some cases, the Food and Drug Administration plays a role in limiting these hazards.

Mercury Vapor Lamps

Mercury vapor lamps, most often used to light streets, gymnasiums, sports arenas, banks, and stores must be maintained properly to be safe. These lamps are composed of an inner quartz tube containing the mercury vapor, enclosed by an outer envelope that filters out harmful short wavelength ultraviolet radiation. If the outer envelope is broken and the lamp continues to operate, intense ultraviolet radiation is emitted.

UV exposure at this level has produced photokeratitis (corneal burns) and reddening of the skin, as well as blurred or double vision, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Most injuries have occurred in school gymnasiums after the lamps were struck and partially broken by sports equipment.

FDA issued a performance standard for high-intensity mercury vapor discharge lamps on March 7, 1980, allowing the manufacture of two types of mercury vapor lamps. One type, marked "T," is equipped with a self-extinguishing device that shuts the lamp off within 15 minutes after the outer envelope is broken. The other type of lamp, marked "R," does not contain a self-extinguishing feature. It may be used only in a fixture with a glass or plastic shield capable of absorbing hazardous ultraviolet radiation, or in areas where people will not be exposed to UV radiation if the outer globe is broken.

A 1980 FDA alert defines labeling that must appear on non-self-extinguishing mercury vapor lamps. This labeling includes the following instructions:

Check the lamps regularly for missing, broken or punctured outer bulbs. This should be done with the lamps off.

If a lamp is broken, turn the lamp off immediately.

Replace lamps only when the lamps are off.

Persons exposed to ultraviolet radiation from a damaged lamp should see a doctor if symptoms of skin burns or eye irritation occur.

Report injuries to your state health department and to FDA.

The labeling for self-extinguishing "T" lamps must also state, "This lamp should self-extinguish within 15 minutes after the outer envelope is broken or punctured. If such damage occurs, TURN OFF AND REMOVE LAMP to avoid possible injury from hazardous shortwave ultraviolet radiation."

People near a broken mercury vapor lamp should leave the area immediately while taking steps to limit UV exposure to their eyes and skin by donning outerwear (coats or sweaters, for example) and sunglasses.

Radiation

At the end of World War II, the forerunner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission was given jurisdiction over all radioactive materials capable of being used to build atomic weapons, including those used for medical diagnosis and treatment. FDA has jurisdiction over products that emit x-rays, overseeing their safety and effectiveness, while individual states have the power to set licensing standards for both facilities using x-rays and the technicians who use such equipment.

Public Law 90-602, enacted in the 1960s, gives FDA jurisdiction over electronic products that emit nonionizing radiation, such as microwave ovens and color televisions. FDA develops performance standards for these products and provides educational materials for consumers. The National Council on Radiation Protection, with input from experts around the country, formulates guidelines on radiation safety that are nationally accepted.

If you have any questions about radiation safety from ionizing materials, contact your individual state radiation control office. FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health's consumer affairs division has consumer information on nonionizing radiation — such as that from microwave ovens, electric blankets, and televisions — and also has consumer information on products such as lasers (both medical and entertainment), airport x-ray machines, and medical x-rays.

Video Display Terminals

Video display terminals (VDTs) are a staple in today's workplace. While some people use their terminals only intermittently during the day, others face their screens constantly as part of their jobs — making airline or concert reservations, for example. Despite lack of scientific data on serious health hazards, some people still fear that VDTs may cause cancer, immune system irregularities, or miscarriages.

The most common complaints from constant VDT users are dry or burning eyes, eye fatigue, blurred vision, and aches in the neck and back. A few simple steps can alleviate these discomforts:

Use good room lighting. Adjust the room lighting levels and properly position the computer to get the room lighting that is most comfortable. The typical office lighting may be too bright for computer work.

Eliminate sources of glare. Use drapes and blinds on windows. Don't sit facing a bright window. If necessary, use screen hoods or glare shields over the screen. Lower light levels in the room may reduce glare.

Adjust the screen brightness and contrast so that it is comfortable for you.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.