General Public and Workers Protection on Using Optical Radiation Sources for Cosmetic Purposes

Abstract

Numerous sources emitting high levels of optical radiation are used for cosmetic purposes, but data available on human health protection differ significantly amongst different countries. The great variety of cosmetics' sources and their application by different population groups are the causes that make this problem an important public health and social issue. The literature review performed by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) shows that legislation of different countries and organizations covers devices considered as medical. There is no such legislation for most of the cosmetic devices. For many optical sources, only technological standards exist that regulate the product's performance. For others, the requirements are set in nonmandatory standards. A serious problem with the human health protection on use of such devices is that their application is a personal choice of the user -the exposure is voluntary. Our country has no policy for this type of optical radiation application except for the workers. A Directive for the protection of workers with similar sources is implemented in EU countries and transposed in Bulgaria, but its application is limited for use in cosmetics. Generally, the legislation covers applications of optical radiation defined as medical treatment only. There are no data on the number and qualifications of staff providing treatment in cosmetics. A policy for safety and health protection in this field is commonly missing for general public protection. Here, in this paper, the problem is addressed to the common sources used for cosmetics purposes (solaria, IPL systems). This article focuses on the common sources used for cosmetic purposes (tanning beds, IPL systems). The specific risks associated with the application of the sources are discussed. Based on the analysis of the problem, а development of specific legislation, corresponding to the specific health risks is proposed. The single data we have from measurements performed in cosmetic studios with sunbeds show increased risk for the personnel and users as well. The aim of the study is to propose development of a policy for health protection on using optical radiation sources for therapeutic and cosmetic applications on the basis of scientific literature and on our own experience.