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Optical Hazards from the Ambient Environment

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Safety with Lasers and Other Optical Sources

Abstract

A proper appreciation of eye and skin hazards from optical radiation requires an understanding of man’s exposure in his natural environment. A knowledge of biological thresholds as determined in the laboratory and clinic provides only an incomplete understanding of the relative importance of different adverse effects. It must be remembered that mankind has evolved over many millenia the natural, inborn protective reactions and social habits for protection against a rather harsh natural environment. Hence a prior understanding of this environment and normal exposure conditions is necessary before considering exposure limits and safety standards.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA

    David Sliney

  2. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA

    Myron Wolbarsht

Authors
  1. David Sliney
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  2. Myron Wolbarsht
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Sliney, D., Wolbarsht, M. (1980). Optical Hazards from the Ambient Environment. In: Safety with Lasers and Other Optical Sources. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3596-0_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3596-0_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-3598-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-3596-0

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