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(stratum corneum) and the longer wavelengths have an initial pigment-darkening effect followed by erythema if there is
exposure to excessive levels.
The hazards associated with skin exposure are of less importance than eye hazards; however, with the expanding use of
higher-power laser systems, particularly ultraviolet lasers, the unprotected skin of personnel may be exposed to
extremely hazardous levels of the beam power if used in an unenclosed system design.
Skin burns caused by lasers can happen quite fast and with great intensity. Protective clothing should be worn when
potential exposure to direct laser beams exist.
UVC: 200-280 nm exposure may cause erythema (sunburn), skin cancer, and burns.
UVB: 280-315 nm exposure may cause accelerated skin aging, increased skin pigmentation and burns.
UVA: 315-400 nm exposure may cause pigment darkening and skin burns.
Visible: 400-700 nm exposure may cause photosensitive reactions and skin burns.
Infrared 700-100,000 nm exposure may cause skin burns.
