Fading

Primary Causes of Fading

UV Filters Do Not Stop Fading, They Help Reduce Fading...

Visible Light is produced within the spectrum of electromagnetic energy that includes radio waves, microwaves, X-ray and ultraviolet (UV) rays. The cause of fading is due to a photochemical reaction involving UV and visible light.

Research has shown (above) that 40% of fading is caused by UV rays. Another 25% of fading is due to heat, with 25% being caused by normal visible light. The remaining 10% cause of fading is from indoor artificial lighting, humidity, and poor dye anchorage. Visible light and UV radiation cause fading and a lack of moisture, especially in the cloth materials used to cover books.

Electromagnetic energy is measured in nanometers (nm.) UV is present from 100-400nm, and visible light is present from 400-700nm. That means that energy that exists from 100-700nm is responsible for 65% of all fading. These wavelengths are very damaging to library materials, dyes, papers, paintings, photographs, and even the foods we eat.

UV-A rays cause more serious long-term damage. They penetrate and ruin your carpets, fabrics, window treatments, wall coverings, and fine wood furnishings

UV-B rays quickly bleach and burn surface colors

People in the clothing, drapery, carpeting, upholstery and other textile related industries know that after fabrics are exposed to fluorescent lighting for a period of time, the color dyes used in fabrics fade. Have you ever browsed through clothing sections in a department store? The next time you do, look at the jackets, blouses, coats, and sweaters hanging on the racks. If they have been there for any length of time, you can spot the fading. Look along the hanger-line, and notice the amount of fading that occurs there. The same is true of clothing that has been overlapped on store shelves. To see the amount of fading, simply lift up the top article of clothing and look for the effects of fading on the one below it.

NaturaLux™ Filters absorb 100% of the harmful UV rays up to 380nm. That means all UVB and almost all of the UVA is absorbed as well. 81-99% of the UVA found between 380-390nm is absorbed. From 390-400nm, there is an 50-80% UVA absorption rate. This means that your overall exposure to UV from fluorescent lighting is practically non-existent.

NaturaLux Filters are designed to reduce the fading process by absorbing the UV radiation as well as some of the visible light rays. This will minimize the expense of replacement and help eliminate loss!

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