Radiation from the Welding Arc - Its Effect on the Eye
E. van Someren, E. C. Rollason · 1948
Direct measurements of solar radiation intensity were made with a vacuum thermopile and through an absorption cell made from a bullock's eye between quartz plates. The total radiation from the welding arc at the welder's eye was found to be about the same intensity as direct sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation from the arc is absorbed by the cornea and produces discomfort after several hours known as arc eye. Experiments with a water-cooled mercury-vapor arc that emits ultraviolet but no infrared showed that arc-eye is produced by ultraviolet radiation only. The authors found no instance of cataract definitely attributable to welding, though it is customary to predict it may occur as more elderly welders use inferior protective glasses.