Is industrial ultrasound harmful to the human body？

Under standardized operation and adequate protection, industrial ultrasonic equipment usually does not pose a direct threat to human health. Its safety depends on factors such as usage scenarios, device power, exposure time, etc. When used reasonably, the risk is controllable, but long-term or high-intensity exposure may have potential impacts.
1, Basic characteristics of ultrasound
Ultrasonic waves refer to sound waves with frequencies exceeding 20kHz that are imperceptible to the human ear. The commonly used frequency range in industrial scenarios is 20kHz-1MHz, with power ranging from tens of watts to several kilowatts, mainly used for cleaning, welding, testing, atomization and other processes. Its working principle is to generate cavitation effect (bubble rupture in liquid) or mechanical effect through high-frequency vibration, achieving surface cleaning or material processing of objects.
2, Possible risks and protective measures
Direct contact risk 1
If human skin or tissue comes into direct contact with metal surfaces subjected to high-power ultrasonic vibration (such as ultrasonic welding joints), it may cause local tissue damage or numbness due to high-frequency vibration. In such cases, direct contact should be avoided through equipment isolation covers or automatic shutdown devices.
Long term exposure affects 2
Long term exposure to high-intensity ultrasound environments (such as using high-power equipment in enclosed spaces) may cause discomfort such as headaches and tinnitus due to the accumulation of sound wave energy. It is necessary to reduce risks by controlling the duration of a single task, wearing soundproof earmuffs, or maintaining a safe distance (usually recommended to be at least 1 meter).
Liquid cavitation effect sputtering 3
When the ultrasonic cleaning machine is running, droplets of high temperature or chemical solvents may splash in the liquid. It is necessary to wear protective clothing, goggles, and ensure the sealing of the equipment.
3, Safety standards and regulations
International Standard Reference 1
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) state that ultrasound equipment must comply with sound pressure level limits (typically ≤ 110dB) and exposure time limits. Industrial equipment design must meet standards such as ISO 18563.
Enterprise Operating Standards 2
Enterprises should provide equipment operation training, clearly prohibit manual contact with vibrating parts, and regularly detect equipment leaks. Warning signs and physical isolation are required in high-risk areas.
4, Difference from medical ultrasound
Medical ultrasound (such as B-ultrasound) has a higher frequency (2-18MHz), but the output power is extremely low (usually<720mW/cm ²), and the contact time is short. Its safety has been rigorously verified. Industrial equipment has higher power and longer operating time, and requires professional protection to ensure safe use.
5, Precautions for special populations
Pregnant women, people wearing pacemakers, or individuals with hearing sensitivity should avoid exposure to high-intensity ultrasound environments. Enterprises need to assess relevant risks during onboarding medical examinations or job assignments.
summarize
The safety of industrial ultrasound depends on equipment compliance, operational norms, and individual protection. In formal production scenarios, risks can be reduced to an acceptable range through technical protection and management measures. If abnormal noise or physical discomfort is found in the equipment, it should be immediately stopped and professional personnel should be contacted for testing.