This study investigates the levels of optical radiation exposure in glassblowing and determines the types of protective eyewear commonly used, Radiometric measurements of radiant emissions from different molten glass materials and heating systems were carried out in six installations. Spectral transmittance curves of available protective lenses used at the locations were obtained. Significant variation (P=0.0001) in ocular irradiation was obtained. All operations produced irradiances higher than the threshold limit values (TLVs) for the visible spectrum (400-700nm). In craft glassblowing which employs furnace systems, irradiance levels exceeding the TLVs for near infrared (760-1100nm) were obtained. Molten soda-lime and quartz glasses emitted substantial sub-threshold near UV radiation. This study shows that variation exists in glassblowing ocular radiation exposure due to different glass materials and heating systems, therefore selection of appropriate eye protector should be on an individual basis.
