Ultraviolet (UV) Blocking
Ultraviolet (UV) light degrades color pigments in textiles & paper - discolors food
Our Antioxidants & Ultraviolet Stabilizers Block Harmful UV Emissions
What is (UV) Ultraviolet Light?
The word "ultraviolet" means "beyond violet" (from Latin ultra, "beyond"), violet being the color of the shortest wavelengths of visible light.
UV light is found in sunlight and is emitted by electric arcs and lighting products including fluorescent lamps and black lights. As an ionizing radiation it can cause chemical reactions, and causes many substances to glow or fluoresce. Most people are aware of the effects of UV through the painful condition of sunburn, but the UV spectrum has many other effects, both beneficial and damaging.
Fluorescent lamps produce UV radiation by ionizing low-pressure mercury vapor. The phosphorescent coating on the inside of the tube is irridated by the UV, causing the phosphors to emit visible light.
UV Damage
Many polymers used in consumer products are degraded by UV light, especially if the products are exposed to sunlight and fluorescent lighting. The problem appears as discoloration or fading, cracking, and in some cases -- total product disintegration -- if cracking is severe. The rate of attack increases with exposure time and light intensity.
In addition, many pigments and dyes absorb UV and change color, so artwork and textiles may need extra protection both from sunlight and fluorescent lamps, two common sources of UV radiation. Valuable artifacts in museums such as paintings and ancient textiles require every protection possible from damaging UV light. Watercolors can have very low pigment levels and are very sensitive.
UV light causes the loss of vitamins and riboflavin which can negatively affect the taste of food and adds to food discoloration.
Shat-R-Shield Protection from Damaging (UV) Ultraviolet Light
Shat-R-Shield fluorescent lamps provide two important services for customers. One, they provide safety from unprotected glass, and two, they are shielding valuable artwork, textiles, paintings, food and paper products from damaging UV light.
Antioxidants and ultraviolet stabilizers are present in the Shat-R-Shield, clear plastic coating to block UV emissions from 180 to 390 nanometers.