Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of the light emitted by artificial illumination systems

Arch Toxicol. 2013 Mar;87(3):403-5. doi: 10.1007/s00204-013-1015-7. Epub 2013 Feb 1.

Abstract

The light delivered by artificial illumination systems, and in particular by halogen quartz bulbs, contains UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation, is genotoxic to both bacterial and human cells and is potently carcinogenic to hairless mice. Since IARC has classified UV radiation in Group 1, any source of UV light poses a carcinogenic hazard to humans. Suitable regulations would be needed in order to control the safety of the light emitted by artificial light sources.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / radiation effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / radiation effects*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Lighting / adverse effects*
  • Lighting / instrumentation
  • Mutagenesis
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / genetics*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*