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. 1982 Nov;14(11):1017-20.

Ocular complications of malfunctioning mercury vapor lamps

M J Thun, R Altman, O Ellingson, L F Mills, M L Talansky
  • PMID: 7181332

Ocular complications of malfunctioning mercury vapor lamps

M J Thun et al. Ann Ophthalmol. 1982 Nov.

Abstract

We report an outbreak of keratoconjunctivitis and skin erythema caused by ultraviolet radiation from a damaged high-intensity mercury vapor lamp. Twenty-six persons became ill after using a basketball court; symptoms included conjunctivitis (100%), skin erythema (54%), and punctate keratitis (19%). This outbreak is one of 37 similar episodes involving at least 629 persons reported to the Food and Drug Administration since 1969. Physicians should be aware that damaged high-intensity mercury vapor lamps are a continuing public health problem with substantial morbidity. Measures to prevent such occurrences are suggested.

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