# black light safety
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-light-safety/173298
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [May 6, 2003, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-light-safety/173298 "2003-05-06T00:37:27Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@JKB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKB)
#### Post date: [May 6, 2003, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-light-safety/173298/1 "2003-05-06T00:37:27Z")
Do blacklights pose any longterm danger to people? I’m considering adding a fixture to one of my rooms (I never said I had class) but I’m afraid I could be damaging my skin/eyes.
The warning labels have the typical “duh” warnings (don’t touch the hot bulb, don’t take a shower with it) but nothing about long term damage. What’s the scoop?
---
### Author:  [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)
#### Post date: [May 6, 2003, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-light-safety/173298/2 "2003-05-06T00:42:06Z")
AFAIK, blacklight bulbs emit primarily longwave UV A in addition to some visible violet light, which is generally safe, although long-term continuous exposure may result in a _slightly_ elevated risk of corneal cataracts and skin cancer. Though nothing even close to the level of risk with shorter UV B and C.