Eye exposure to optical radiation in the glassblowing industry: An investigation in southern Ontario

Objective: To investigate if the levels of optical radiation hazards in gla ssblowing are well classified according to the hazard types idefined in the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard for industrial eye protector s. Methods: We carried out radiometric measurements, and questionnaire survey in 4 university glassblowing laboratories, and 3 private studios. Results: There is exposure to low levels of; UV and IR radiation in all gla ssblowing: operations. A supra-threshold IR radiation level exists in the c raft glassblowing. The use of eye protectors is based on past experience re gardless of the level of ocular exposure. Conclusions: Optical radiation hazards exist in both craft and scientific g lassblowing. I There seems to be an inadequate understanding about radiatio n types encountered by glassblowers.