Radiant energy injuries are caused by bright, visible light (such as lasers and electric welding arcs) or by forms of light energy that are not visible (such as ultraviolet and infrared light).
Sunburn is a type of radiant energy burn caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Microwave radiation caused by electromagnetic radiation is also a type of radiant energy. The primary danger of radiant energy is damage to the eyes.
a. Laser Beam.
A laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) beam may be visible or invisible, depending upon the frequency of the beam.
Laser devices include range finders, target designators, and weapon guidance systems (SMART missiles and bombs). Lasers are also used in communications centers and in weapons simulation training, such as MILES (multiple integrated laser engagement system). The primary danger is to the eye since the eye focuses and concentrates whatever light enters the eye. Lasers can cause temporary or permanent damage to one or both eyes. Minor interference with vision can reduce the casualty’s ability to aim his weapon, drive his vehicle, or read a map. Some laser devices may be powerful enough to produce burns on exposed skin. Signs and symptoms of laser injury include the following.
(1) Reduced vision in one or both eyes.
(2) Seeing a bright flash of light just before the reduced vision.
(3) Pain. (Some injuries cause eye discomfort, but most injuries produce no pain.)
(4) A feeling of heat within the eyes.
(5) Burns to the cornea and/or hemorrhaging within the eyeball.
(6) Skin burns ranging from redness to surface charring to deep tissue damage around the eye.
b. Welding Arc.
A person who looks directly at a welding arc can receive burns on the surface of his eyes that can result in severe pain and sensitivity to light. The pain and sensitivity to light may last two or three days until the burn has healed. Mild symptoms may appear even if the person did not look directly at the welding arc.
Signs and symptoms include the following.
(1) Gritty feeling in the eyes.
(2) Severe pain.
(3) Immediate decrease in vision.
(4) Inability to tolerate light.
(5) Redness.
(6) Swelling around the eye.
(7) Watering or tearing.
c. Microwave Radiation.
Microwaves are used by radar and communication systems. The primary danger is damage to the eyes, especially damage that results in cataracts. Microwaves can also interfere with production of red blood cells and can result in temporary sterility in males.
Signs and symptoms of exposure to microwave radiation include the following.
(1) Nausea.
(2) Difficulty in swallowing.
(3) Hearing problems.
(4) Irritability or euphoria due to effects on the central nervous system.
(5) Whole body heating (hyperthermia).