Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is a potential hazard of exposure to infrared radiation?

1. Skin burns

2. Radiation sickness

3. Cataracts

4. Psychological stress

The correct answer is: Cataracts

The chosen answer highlights a significant health risk associated with exposure to infrared radiation: the development of cataracts. Infrared radiation primarily affects the eyes, and prolonged exposure can lead to changes within the lens that may result in cataract formation. When the lens of the eye is subjected to excessive infrared radiation, it can cause the proteins within to denature, leading to cloudiness that impairs vision. While skin burns and other health concerns may result from various forms of radiation exposure, skin burns are more commonly associated with ultraviolet radiation rather than infrared. Radiation sickness is typically linked to ionizing radiation, which is not the type of radiation involved here. Psychological stress, although a real issue in workplace safety, does not directly result from infrared exposure like cataracts do. This underscores why cataracts is the most accurate choice regarding hazards specifically related to infrared radiation exposure.