Good morning, I have just had a couple of verbal reports of illness that is believed to be work related. Both the IPs have developed cataracts at a relatively young age ( well under 60). Both non smokers and in good health. They are both trainers using the same training facility for about 100 days a year. The facility is partially underground with no natural daylight illumination I have not had a formal report yet, but I have done some background reading which suggests that non age related cataracts can develop as a result of as a result of exposure to radiation or injury - which seems unlikely in these instances. UV radiation is also mentioned in some sources ( mostly in the context of sunlight) this seems to me to be a possibility as they seem to spend a lot of time working in artificial light. I have suggested to the manager of the trainers that any other trainers who use this suit have a sight check as a precautionary measure, I may have more information when I get the formal report, meanwhile does anyone have any experience in this area or able to direct me to a reliable source of information particularly about possible exposure to UV via the artificial lighting? Annic

Nic168 - It will be interesting to see your conclusions on this as I developed cataracts a few years ago (non age related). The symptoms came on very quickly starting with problems driving at night. I had no other illness that could have contributed to the problem. One suggestion was time spent in the fire service, another was working nights for several years. No one has really given me an answer. However, after having lens replacements in both eyes, sight is brilliant

The reasons for the onset of cataracts are not clear cut. Some medications/drugs such as steroids can trigger their onset so some real medical advice is necessary to know if this is work related

I suppose someone has to say it!!! Do these people both have good tans? The repeated exposure to good sunlight or the use of tanning booths are, to my knowledge, the 2 primary sources of the necessary exposure to levels of uv that might cause cataracts.

Thank you for all the feedback and suggestions, as I have still not had the official reports I am abit short on details ( massive IT fail here for last few days). Bob, I Can confirm that neither party are tanning afficionados or seem excessively tanned, rather the opposite. Plenty of other things to think about though The query about UV light came from the Line manager. I do know from personal experience that some of the rooms in the area in question do seem very harshly lit, so much so that on the rare occasions I used them I would have to leave the area at every oppoertunity due to headache and sore eyes. I don't have the means to measure UV so was planning to look at the manufacturers spec for the bulbs ! (when I have permission to look into this further)

As per #10 get in touch with the NRPB - or whoever they are now. Only a thought - but, underground, work in the South West (geology) - have you considered Radon gas?