Evaluation of skin cancer risk resulting from long term occupational exposure to radiation from ultraviolet lasers in the range from 190 to 400 nm.

The relative risk of occupational exposure to radiation from UV lasers was estimated using a mathematical model based on both epidemiological data and animal experiments. Calculations were performed for the 193 nm ArF excimer laser cornea shaping, the 308 nm XeCl excimer laser for coronary angioplasty, and other UV lasers in a laboratory environment. The model included the effects of direct exposure and exposure to scattered radiation. The results show that for the two medical applications the increase in the relative risk is comparable to that of one additional day of sunbathing per year. For subjects exposed to UV lasers in a laboratory setting, the relative risk may increase to a value comparable to that of people with an outdoor profession.