ABSTRACT Ultraviolet radiation was measured spectroradiometrically on the surface of standard fluorescent tubes of several types and makes. Results are presented written as absolute values or as a maximum permissible exposure time for human skin at an illumination of l000 lx. A minority of the tubes was potentially capable of producing acute skin erythemas during a working day in highly illuminated areas. The amount of UVB-radiation from fluorescent tubes was found to be doninantly affected by the absorption properties of the tube glass.