UV-skin protection

[emjee]

Hi everyone,

Our safetyglasses protect our eyes from UV radiation.
But of course, the radiation also reaches our skin.

My advise is to use a sunblock while torching....

Last month I was diagnosed with skin cancer on my throat. It was all removed and all right now.
But my Doctor told me it was probably UV-related.
But the sun never reaches there... but the torch does....
It might be related, it also might not be....

But I use a high protection sunblock at my torch now....

Just wanted to give everyone this tip!!!


Marion

[Redhotsal]

Sorry to hear about the cancer - and glad you're better.

To be frank you get very little UV radiation from the torch. And in fact your didymiums won't block the UV anyway. You do get a lot of Infra Red (IR) radiation though which can irritate skin. While sun block will definitely help from a moisturing point of view (and so will a standard moisturising cream), it probably isn't the torch which has been causing the problem.

As with all radiation - it gets much weaker in an inverse square fashion the further you get away from it, so it also helps not to be sitting too near to the torch.

Don't know how old you are but most of us spent decades soaking up the sun when we were younger, tanning ourselves stupid. It's so much more likely your skin damage has come from those days. You can make beads without worrying about skin cancer.

[stuwaudby]

If torches gave off a lot of UV then all beaders would have good tans and look like pandas due to the goggles. I have just spent two weeks on holiday (all in the shade) and got much more tanned than an hour a night beading.

[hollergrafik]

I am really sorry you have had a skin cancer, glad its all been removed.
I just did a little experiment, I had UV bands free with my suntan lotion I got a couple of weeks ago, I have had the torch running for an hour and it hasnt even slightly changed the colour of the bands. They will change with an hours exposure from UV index 3-4 and up, I think we are safe.

[emjee]

Thanks for your reply's!!

I'm 41... but never took part in the who-is-the-most-tanned-contest
(my twin sister did... she looks 42 now!!! )

But that is what the doctor said also:... it could be related to a sunburn 20 years ago...
but I can'd rule out that it was nog the torching that triggered the change.
I hear more people about experiencing sunburn after a night at the torch... just thought they were working to close to the flame..

Skintype and sunburn history also influence risks..

Now I use a sunblock, I am certain anyway...

[Redhotsal]

Thanks for your reply's!!

I hear more people about experiencing sunburn after a night at the torch... just thought they were working to close to the flame..

The burn that people are getting is very probably from the Infra red radiation - and it is very real. The sunblock or moisturiser will certainly help people who seem particularly sensitive to IR radiation. Too much IR radiation can lead to cataract and retina problems in the eye but these are pretty much filtered out by the Didymium filters.

[ejralph]

I am so glad to read your skin cancer has been sent kicking - what a relief.

I think Sal is right though - it is the IR that people notice after a day's torching.

When I used Didyium glasses, I would get really tired eyes from it. I changed to a lens which has way better IR protection (the normal pink didyium glasses don't offer very good IR protection at all from what I recall)

Anyway, the new lenses are so much better - can torch all day without tired eyes anymore.

Emma

[Bluebottle]

Hi Emma, Can you tell what type of lens you use now???

Mike   

[ejralph]

They are AGW300 lenses.

Here is a thread where we discussed it before a little http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=8970.0

Emma

[Mary]

I used to get really red from the infra red, but since I started using a bench shield it has made a huge difference. I don't get nearly so hot and bothered.

[hexefroschbein]

For your arms you can use Kevlar welding sleeves.

Not only is it safer in case of exploding glass (my speciality) but also it keeps the arms warm in winter and makes twirling rods easier because the kevlar covers half the hand and your rods twirls on the material instead of sticky skin.

See here (for example): http://www.healthandsafetysupplies.co.uk/acatalog/Perfect_Fit_Kevlar_Sleeves.html

For more than you ever wanted to know about IR exposure, see here: http://mikeaurelius.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/energy-radiance-information-for-glassworkers/

8():

Hexe

[sea-thistle]

Yes I've got Kevlar sleeves as well, but forget to use them!! I always wear long sleeved blouses and nothing low cut! Don't want to be hunting in my bra for a piece of hot glass lol~!!  I have one of those flexi screens  (didyium) that I bought from Martin, as I can't get on wearing glasses even though I have a pair that fit over prescription glasses

[Redhotsal]

I want a kevlar bra.....

[hexefroschbein]

I want a kevlar bra.....

The sleeves are cheap, so depending on your size buy 2-4 pairs and cut them open lengthwise, then sew them onto a bra you have.

Don't forget to post your finished project in 'show and tell'

8():

Hexe

[Krysia@No98]

I want a kevlar bra.....

Time to talk to our resident Fig Leaves rep...