Medical Surveillance Requirements For Nonionizing Radiation Workers

James A Hathaway

doi:10.1117/12.958784

7 October 1980 Medical Surveillance Requirements For Nonionizing Radiation Workers

James A Hathaway

Proceedings Volume 0229, Ocular Effects of Non-Ionizing Radiation; (1980) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.958784
Event: 1980 Technical Symposium East, 1980, Washington, D.C., United States

Abstract

The potential value of medical surveillance examinations for laser workers and other workers potentially exposed to high intensity optical radiation is evaluated. A review of the known adverse biological effects leads to the conclusion that most effects are related to acute and subacute exposures which do not lend themselves to effective medical surveillance. In addition, surveys of thousands of laser workers conducted since 1965 demonstrated that routine periodic medical surveillance has been unnecessary and/or impractical using currently available ophthalmic screening methods. Examination techniques to detect early changes in cataract formation or retinal degeneration (two potential chronic effects of optical radiation) are not sufficiently reliable or specific to be of value as routine screening tests. Epidemiologic studies of large worker groups are suggested to evaluate the potential for these chronic conditions to develop as the result of job exposure; however, specific recommendations for routine medical surveillance are limited to preplacement and termination examinations with appropriate evaluation of individuals following acute injury.

Citation Download Citation

James A Hathaway "Medical Surveillance Requirements For Nonionizing Radiation Workers", Proc. SPIE 0229, Ocular Effects of Non-Ionizing Radiation, (7 October 1980); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.958784

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