Occupational diseases caused by artificial incoherent optical radiation

If a disease’s clinical characteristics are determined to be of occupational origin in accordance with the criteria stated in Volume VII, Section 9 (1) of the German Social Code (SGB), the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) can add it to the list of occupational diseases formally recognized as such in Germany (BKs). This is a time-consuming process, since all interrelated aspects, both medical and technical, must be demonstrated by sound scientific means before they can be included in the statutory provisions.

One occupational disease is currently formally recognized as such (BK) for the sphere of artificial optical radiation:

• BK No 2401, infrared cataract

The BMAS code of practice defines this occupational disease (infrared cataract, heat ray cataract, glassblower’s cataract) as a cataract caused by exposure to infrared radiation, i.e. wave radiation outside the visible light spectrum. The thermal radiation component harmful to the lens of the human eye lies in the wavelength range between approximately 750 nm and 2400 nm. Determining whether the occupational criteria are met for cases of this kind is very difficult. Firstly, estimation of the radiation to which the worker has been exposed is complex; secondly, its effects overlap those of possible exposure to UV radiation (e.g. from the sun), which can also cause cataracts.

BK 2401 in the IFA ring binder: Investigation of suspected cases of a formally recognized occupational disease (accessible only by the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions)