UVA/UVB and UVC protective eyewear???

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I can't find any protective eyewear from a reputable manufacturer that has UVC protection.  I was reading that UVC is a big problem with people on the jobsite catching arcs from other welders while not wearing their helmets and contributes to vision loss over time. I would really like to wear a pear of UVC protective eyewear at all times.Does anyone know where I can buy some?
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldingdudeI can't find any protective eyewear from a reputable manufacturer that has UVC protection.  I was reading that UVC is a big problem with people on the jobsite catching arcs from other welders while not wearing their helmets and contributes to vision loss over time. I would really like to wear a pear of UVC protective eyewear at all times.Does anyone know where I can buy some?
Reply:Some interesting facts about the A, B' & C's of UV light:What exactly are UV rays? Ultraviolet (UV) rays are located just past the violet portion of the visible light spectrum; sunlight is the main source. UV light is broken into three different types: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA has longer wavelengths and passes through glass easily; experts disagree about whether or not UVA damages the eyes. UVB rays are the most dangerous, making sunglasses and sunscreen a must; they don't go through glass. UVC rays do not reach the Earth because its atmosphere blocks them.http://www.allaboutvision.com/faq/sunglasses.htmI learned from an eye surgeon that UVB does NOT go through regular automotive glass.  That's why we don't "sunburn" throught the glass with our arm up on the ledge with the window rolled up.Here's more about UV and welding:Ultraviolet radiation and cancerThe full spectrum of UVR can be classified into three groups, based on wavelength: ultraviolet A (UVA) (400–315 nm), ultraviolet B (UVB) (315–280 nm) and ultraviolet C (UVC) (280–100 nm). Over 98% of solar UVR exposure is in the form of UVA. It penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB or UVC, but is less associated with DNA damage.1,2 This may mean that UVA is least likely to produce skin malignancies. UVB accounts for less than 2% of our solar UVR exposure, as much of it is absorbed in the upper atmosphere. UVB is responsible for most of the DNA damage within skin cells, and arguably most of the resultant skin cancers.1,2 UVC exposure is insignificant for most people, as solar UVC is readily absorbed in the atmosphere before reaching the earth’s surface. Knowledge of the effects of UVC on skin is less clear, but it may be as dangerous to skin as UVB.2,3 Arc welding produces the full spectrum of UVR. The short distance between the arc and the welder’s skin may not be sufficient to absorb most of the UVB and UVC. Arc welders may therefore be at significantly increased risk of developing actinic skin and ocular damage, including malignancy, particularly if they have inadequate protection (Box 1). Furthermore, thermal burns from hot metal can occur when welding and contribute to this risk.http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/...x10826_fm.htmlLooks like Arc welding types produce MORE UV radiation than our own sun does!  UVB is very low eposure (only 2%,) but causes the MOST cases of skin cancer.  Thank God for the ozone layer that sheild most UVB away from us.  UVC radiation appears to be non-existent to us here on earth becuase again, the earth sheilds us from it.  However, Arc welding exposes us to an increased level of UVC radiation, albeit very slight.  Looks like those safety glasses the OP is looking for is a good idea around a welding shop or construction site!  I'm gonna pick some up myself.  I always just never looked directly into the arc, but that is not good enough apparently. Attached ImagesLast edited by SuperArc; 12-16-2011 at 08:59 PM.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Grainger link went dead so copied the info.http://www.grainger.com"Safety Glasses, Wrap Around, Size Universal, Lens Color Amber, Lens Material Polycarbonate, Lens Coating Scratch-Resistant, Frame Color Black, Frame Material Nylon, Adjustable No, UV Protection 99.9 Percent of UVA, UVB, UVC, Standards ANSI Z87.1+ 2003Grainger Item #5RXW9 Price (ea.)$11.72BrandEDGE EYEWEAR Mfr. Model #SW114 Ship Qty. 1''Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Just buy any pair of ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses...they have a polycarbonate in them that blocks 99.9% of UV and IR in the clear glasses..and 100% in the dark glasses.We used to get flashed regularly in the 70's and 80's when it wasn;t really a standard to wear these,but since then if you don;t wear them 100% of the time you are on the job you can easily be fired..and since wearing any Z87.1 glasses i have never even got the slightest hint of flash and been around weldors and myself welding all around me on the iron on decking,moment welds,in fab shops..etc etc....they work wellThis where those cheap harbor freight and other cheap chinese auto lens hoods come into play.you never know if they really are up to standard with ANSI Z87.1.......thats why its best to stay with a reputable hood manufacturer,they are garaunteed up to standard when it comes to eye protection.With the auto lens itself,the inner and outer cover lens and a pair of good clear safety glasses on under the hood all being Z87.1..you'll be just fineLast edited by FabCrazyGuy; 12-16-2011 at 10:29 PM.Lincoln Ranger 8 225Lincoln 180 ProMigMiller Maxstar 200DXInternational Ironworkers Local 70930+ years and counting