I recently had a question regarding lighting in the workplace and if we should add "vitamin D lamps" or desk task lights.
Vitamin D lamps are UVB lights (black lights are UV B)
Ultraviolet band (UV B) B can cause direct DNA damage to the skin. You only need 15 minutes a day of UV B light (commonly known as a black light.) It is the UVB rays that can cause sunburn and DNA damage to the skin causing melanoma. over 90% of melanoma is linked to UV B radiation.
In addition it is the UV B rays that leads to skin aging and it is recommended that individuals having UV B treatment need to have emollients applied after treatments.
In some parts of the world where there is extended dark periods Light therapy is sometimes used for Seasonal Affect disorder, and for limited periods use a sunlamp during the dark months.
Most of the typical fluorescent lamps have little UV B due to the harmful effects. Full spectrum art lamps are available as are grow lamps and reptile lamps but it should be used as a task light and not directly on skin or in the eyes.
Although 10-15 minutes of daily sun in non-peak hours can provide adequate vitamin D, people who use sun protection (which should be most of us) need to look for other sources of vitamin D.
As a treatment it should be conducted by a medical professional as individuals with a vitamin D deficiency need a specific wavelength (> 310 nm to 312 nm) and this is a specific illness with a specific medical treatment.
Fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods are good dietary sources of vitamin D. Salmon is one of the best.
It can be toxic if overdosing, although it is rare to overdose from food sources and not from the sun
UV B rays are blocked by glass, so they do not get through windows.
Vitamin D supplements at currently recommended doses can increase vitamin D levels in the body.
Blood tests (serum concentration of 25 (OH) D is the blood indicator of vitamin D, however Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and it may not reflect the actual amount of vitamin D stored in tissues. If intestines and Kidneys can't process vitamin D, then it may indicate a different illness, and should be evaluated prior to treatment.
UV B rays are linked to macular Degeneration (an illness that causes blindness)
Individuals who need additional Vitamin D or light therapy should have it provided by a medical practioner and have their skin checked regularly as well as eyes if undergoing this type of treament. It should not be provided in a non controlled enviroment.
My treatment for the inability to absorb vitamin D is to take a supplement, and walk outside with the dogs once a day.
I recommend that UV B lamps not be used in a work setting, as it is potentially harmful, it can't be easily monitored or controlled and should be used as a medical treatment, not a general lighting source.
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