초록
Objectives: A collective of workers in the company's cafeteria encountered symptoms such as stinging and watering in and around the eyes, a sensation of sand in the eyes, erythema, swelling, and peeling of the skin on the face and neck. The objective of this study is to pinpoint the causes of these symptoms and propose preventive measures. Methods: Following preliminary on-site investigations, worker interviews, and literature research, it was determined that the most probable cause of the symptoms was ultraviolet rays emitted from a UV sterilizer. Consequently, the study measured and assessed the effective amount of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sterilizer. Results: When operating with the curtain-type door of the ultraviolet sterilizer open, it was observed to surpass the 0.1 μW/cm2 8-hour work exposure standard recommended by ACGIH TLV in most kitchen workspaces. The evaluation of the maximum allowable exposure time based on the distance from the ultraviolet sterilizer indicated only 4.2 seconds at a distance of 0.2 m with the curtain door open, and merely 1.7 minutes at a distance of 1 m. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the symptoms among restaurant workers emerged immediately after the installation of the ultraviolet sterilizer, and these symptoms were consistent with those associated with exposure to ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, the assessment revealed that the exposure level to ultraviolet rays could be exceeded established exposure standards. It was recommended that the existing ultraviolet sterilizer be replaced with one featuring a glass door, and facility improvements should be made, such as implementing an automatic mechanism to turn off the ultraviolet lamp when the door is opened.
