Mass photokeratitis following exposure to unprotected ultraviolet light.
We report a cluster of patients developing photokeratitis as a result of exposure to unprotected UV-B light source. The incident occurred at a cattle livestock market auction where the light source protective covers of mercury vapour lamps were damaged because of vandalism. The incident was investigated by the District Council as a public health and safety issue. This report stresses the hazards of ultraviolet lamps routinely used in public places and the need for proper maintenance of these light sources.
Banerjee
S
S
Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Birmingham University, City Hospital NHS Trust, Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QU. pinkubanerjee@hotmail.com
Patwardhan
A
A
Savant
V V
VV
D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008029:Lighting / Q000009:adverse effects; D011634:Public Health; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*