Some medical uses of radiation from lamps

Abstract

In this paper the term 'light' will be extended to cover that part of the electromagnetic spectrum between 250-770 nm. The paper deals with the division of the ultra-violet spectrum into the A, B and C bands.

The medical effects of light may roughly be divided into two groups. The first is where the radiation acts directly such as the germicidal effect of UVC, the erythemal properties of UVB for the production of vitamin D and the treatment of neo-natal jaundice by blue light. The second is where the radiation works in the presence of a photosensitiser, taken orally or applied externally. Examples are the photo-therapy treatment of vitiligo and psoriasis with UVA and the treatment of herpes virus with white fluorescent light. The design of luminaires for these purposes will also be mentioned.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Koller, L.R. , New York 1965, Ultra Violet Radiation, 226, John Wiley and Sons Inc.

Knudson, A. and Benford, F. , 1938, J. Biol. Chem., 124,287.

Cremer, R.J. , Perryman, P.W. and Richards, D.H. , 1958, The Lancet, 1, 1094.

Sansville, J.W. , Sison, R.C. and Berger, D. , 1972, Jour.I.E.S., 1, 112.

Thorington, L. , Cunningham, L. and Parascandola, 1971, J. Illum. Eng., 66, 240.

Wanmaker, W.L. , Van Giles, J.F. and TerVrugh, J.W. , 1975, Ltg. Res. & Technol. , 7, 19.

Balej, Z. , Dovoracek, V. , Mathesius, V. and Tesla Electronics , 1975, 112.

Parrish, J.A. , Fitzpatrick, T.B. , Tanenbaum , L. and Pathak, M.A. , 1974, New England Journal of Medicine, 291, 1207.

Melski, J.W. , Tanenbaum, L. , Parrish , J.A. , Fitzpatrick, T.B. and Bleich, H.L. and 128 participating investigators, 1977 , Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 68, 328.

10.

Levin, R.E. and Parrish, J.A. , 1975, Lighting Design and Application., 5, No. 3, 35.

11.

Africk, J. and Fulton, J. , 1971, British Journal of Dermatology, 84, 151.