Journal of Graphic Engineering and Design

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut ero labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco.

Search
GUIDE FOR AUTHORS SUBMIT MANUSCRIPT
Forthcoming
Review paper

UV light in graphic technology: Usage, effects and safety measures

Full text article (PDF)
  • Raša Urbas
Raša Urbas
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Department of Textiles, Graphic Arts and Design, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Published 2025-12-23

abstract views: 0 // Full text article (PDF): 0


Keywords

  • UV light,
  • graphic technology,
  • occupational health risks,
  • safety measures,
  • UV printing and curing

How to Cite

Urbas, R. (2025). UV light in graphic technology: Usage, effects and safety measures. Journal of Graphic Engineering and Design. Retrieved from https://jged.uns.ac.rs/index.php/jged/article/view/2167

Copyright (c) 2026 © 2026 Authors. Published by the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department of Graphic Engineering and Design. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license 4.0 Serbia

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The introduction of ultraviolet (UV) light technologies to the graphic arts industry has revolutionised printing by offering better print quality, faster curing times and the ability to print on a variety of substrates. Despite these advances, UV light and UV-curable materials pose significant health risks to workers. This paper examines the potentially harmful effects of UV light on workers in the graphics technology sector and outlines key safety measures to mitigate these risks. The UV spectrum (100–400 nm) is categorised as UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVA and UVB are partially absorbed by the atmosphere, UVC is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer. In graphics technology, however, artificial UV light sources can expose workers to harmful radiation. The increasing use of UV light in UV printing and UV curing requires a closer look at occupational hazards. Harmful effects include skin damage (erythema, skin ageing, pigmentation changes, skin cancer) and eye damage (photokeratitis, cataracts, retinal damage). UV-curable inks and coatings also contain photoinitiators and chemicals that pose health risks (irritation, allergic reactions and respiratory problems) and require comprehensive safety protocols. Key safety measures include personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective clothing, goggles and respirators. Technical measures such as UV-blocking shields, covers and adequate ventilation reduce exposure. Comprehensive training, the use of PPE, safety protocols and regular inspections ensure the safety of employees. By addressing the risk of UV exposure, the industry can protect its employees while continuing to innovate.

PlumX Metrics

Dimensions Citation Metrics

Full text article (PDF)

References

  1. Ahmad, S. I., Christensen, L. & Baron, E. (2017) History of UV lamps, types, and their applications. In:
  2. Ahmad, S. (ed.) Ultraviolet Light in Human Health, Diseases and Environment. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 996. Cham, Springer. Available from: doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-56017-5_1
  3. Bahria, H. & Erbil, Y. (2016) UV technology for use in textile dyeing and printing: Photocured applications. Dyes and Pigments. 134, 442–447. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2016.07.042
  4. Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage. (2002) S 009/E:2002 / IEC 62471:2006. Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. Vienna,
  5. Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage. Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage. (1998) CIE S 007/E-1998. Erythema reference action spectrum and standard erythema dose. ISO 17166:1999(E). Vienna, Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage.
  6. CureUV. (2023) 350×25mm UV LED Curing System for Flexo Printing with Water Cooling. Available from: https://www.cureuv.com/products/350x-
  7. mm-uv-led-curing-system-forr-flexo-printingwith-water-cooling [Accessed 24th July 2025].
  8. European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization. (2008) EN 62471:2008. Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. Brussels, European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization.
  9. European Union. (2006) Directive 2006/25/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to risks arising from physical agents (artificial optical radiation). Official Journal of the European Union. 114, 38-59. Available from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:114:0038:0059:EN:PDF [Accessed 25th September 2024].
  10. Excelitas. (2014) Delivering superior optics and lighting for highest quality printing. Available from: https://www.excelitas.com/application/industrial-manufacturing/printing [Accessed 25th September 2025].
  11. FDA – Food and Drug Administration. (2022) The Case for Regulation of Light Emitting Diode Products. Available from: https://www.softlights.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FDA-Update-to-Petition-to-Regulate-LEDs.pdf [Accessed 25th September 2025].
  12. Flint Group. (2024) EkoCure® F – UV LED Inks for Flexographic Printing. Available from: https://www.flintgrp.com/media/tlxamfk1/ekocure-f_ver1_a4.pdf [Accessed 24th July 2025].
  13. Gálvez, E. N., Aguilera, J., Solis, A., Gálvez, M. V., Andrés, J. R., Herrera-Ceballos, E. & Gago-Calderon, E. (2022) The potential role of UV and blue light from the sun, artificial lighting, and electronic devices in melanogenesis and oxidative stress. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. 228, 112405. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112405
  14. Gómez, J., Orme, M. & Simmons, T. (2019) LED UV Curing for Narrow Web Flexo Printing. RadTech Europe. IARC Working Group on Risk of Skin Cancer and
  15. Exposure to Artificial Ultraviolet Light. (2006) Exposure to artificial UV radiation and skin cancer. Available from: https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Working-Group-Reports/Exposure-To-Artificial-UV-Radiation-And-Skin-Cancer-2006 [Accessed 25th September 2024].
  16. Klanjšek Gunde, M. (2010) Fotobiološka varnost nekoherentnih optičnih sevanj – določila nove uredbe. Vakuumist. 30 (3), 12–16. Available from: https://www2.arnes.si/~ljdvts/arhiv/2010/2010_3/2010_3_3_100dpi.pdf [Accessed 25th September 2024].
  17. Klanjšek Gunde, M., Urbas, R., Sever Škapin, A. & Friškovec, M. (2011) Photobiological safety of radiation curing lamp sources applied for printing. In: 10th Seminar in Graphic Arts, 19–21 September 2011, Pardubice, Slovakia. Pardubice, University of Pardubice, Department of Graphic Arts and Photophysics. pp. 37–42.
  18. Klanjšek Gunde, M. & Urbas, R. (2007) Učinki UV svetlobe v organskih snoveh in njihovo izkoriščanje. In: A. Orgulan (ed.) Svetloba in arhitektura – Zunanja razsvetljava. Maribor, Slovensko društvo za razsvetljavo.
  19. Light Adviser. (2024a) 5 Common Mistakes in Best Practices for Using UV Curing Lights Effectively. Available from: https://lightadviser.com/5-Common-Mistakes-in-Best-Practices-for-Using-UV-Curing-Lights-Effectively/ [Accessed 24th September 2024].
  20. Light Adviser. (2024b) LED UV Curing System vs. Mercury UV System: Key Differences. Available from: https://goodiuv.com/th/innovation-of-uv-technology/uv-curing-system-tips/led-uv-vs-mercury-uv-curingsystem-key-differences/ [Accessed 24th July 2025].
  21. Maloney, D. L. (2006) Choosing the right UV-curing lamp can brighten your future: Implementing UV technology can prove to be both productive and profitable. Metal Finishing. 104 (4), 57–59. Available from: doi: 10.1016/S0026-0576(06)80098-X
  22. RiskStop. (2023) UV Drying in the Printing Industry: Technical Bulletin. Available from: https://www.riskstop.co.uk/technical-bulletins/uv-drying-in-the-printing-industry [Accessed 25th July 2025].
  23. SCENIHR – Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks. (2012) Health Effects of Artificial Light. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr_o_035.pdf [Accessed 24th September 2024].
  24. Tang, X., Yang, T., Yu, D., Xiong, H. & Zhang, S. (2024) Current insights and future perspectives of ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure: Friends and foes to the skin and beyond the skin. Environmental International. 185, 108535. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108535
  25. Urbas, R. (2005) Analiza zaščitnega učinka tekstilij pred negativnimi vplivi ultravijoličnih žarkov na kožo. PhD thesis. University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering.
  26. Uvitron. (2023) UV Curing Safety 101: How to Protect Your Employees. Available from: https://www.uvitron.com/blog/uv-curing-safety-101-how-to-protect-your-employees [Accessed 25th July 2025].