Quantitative Determination of Ultraviolet Radiation

Abstract

Evaluating the safety of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) directly from ultraviolet lamps, industrial sources or the sun with a simple, easy-to-use instrument has not been feasible until the last few years when quality instruments have become accessible. The problem has historically been the separation of the UVR from the visible and infrared portions of the optical spectrum and then accurately weighting the UVR to the documented human biological response curve. Many instruments designed to measure UVR from a particular source will not accurately measure the UVR from another broadband source due to spectral differences. The most accurate method for measuring the actinic UVR (UV-B and UV-C) is still to tediously measure the UVR in each wavelength region with a double monochrometer and then manually weight these values to the human response spectrum. For safety evaluation, several direct reading instruments may be used when high accuracy is really not necessary. Polysulphone film detectors may be used in those situations where direct reading is not feasible, several simultaneous measurements are desired, or in a harsh environment where electromagnetic interference is present. The exposed detectors can be evaluated in a less harsh environment later.

The opinions or assertions herein are those of the author and should not be construed as a reflection of the official position of the U.S. Department of the Army or U.S. Department of Defense.