Understanding UV

Technology

Ultraviolet

Understanding Ultraviolet Radiation

Understanding Infrared Radiation

Film Construction

Understanding Solar Energy

Methods of Heat Transfer

Reducing Heat Loss in Cold Weather

Does Blocking UV Light Affects Plant Life

High Tech Film Abbreviations

Ultraviolet radiation is divided into three classifications:
UVA	Measured between 320 to 400 Nanometers, is about 1,000 times less in intensity than UVB rays but between ten to one hundred times more prevalent in the earth’s atmosphere. UVA are the longest of the ultraviolet wavelengths and therefore passes through material objects, including glass, far easier than the other UV rays. UVA also penetrates skin more deeply than the other UV wavelengths and interacts with organic molecules, which promotes the development of various types of skin cancers.
UVB	Measured between 290 to 320 Nanometers, are the wavelengths most responsible for causing a reddening of the skin or sunburn, as well as “welder’s flash” and “snow-blindness” which are irritations of the cornea caused by overexposure to excessive light.
UVC	Measured between 10 to 290 Nanometers, are the shortest UV wavelengths and potentially the most lethal to human life. Fortunately, virtually all of the UVC radiation is blocked out by the earth’s atmosphere, primarily the ozone layer, before it reaches the earth’s surface.

Ultraviolet radiation is measured between 100 to 400 Nanometers and accounts for about 3% of the total solar spectrum. Despite the small percentage of the total solar energy, ultraviolet radiation plays an important role in both the energy balance and chemical composition on earth, including the production of vitamin D in humans.

However, there are some serious negative effects of ultraviolet radiation as well. Ultraviolet rays are commonly associated with fading or sun damage to all types of interior furnishings, such as carpets, draperies, upholstery and furniture, etc. In addition, UV rays tan the skin but are also directly related to various types of skin disorders, cancers and eye problems such as cataracts.

While it is virtually impossible to completely avoid all contact with ultraviolet radiation, there are preventative steps that can be taken to reduce or minimize the risks of overexposure, such as wearing long and closely woven clothing, proper sunglasses, wide brim hats and sun-screens with a sunprotection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher on all exposed skin.

In most cases, standard plate glass or automotive glass is fairly efficient in preventing UVB radiation from passing through it, which is why it is difficult to get a sun tan behind glass. However, a very high percentage of the UVA radiation still penetrates standard glass and can significantly contribute to skin problems.

Installing window film may be an important precautionary step in reducing the risks of
overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. All COOL N LiTE® professional quality window film is produced with full body dyed, weatherable polyester, with additional UV inhibitors in the mounting adhesive. Many films on the world market rely only on the adhesive system for both color and UV protection, both of which in time are very likely to dissipate. However, the full body dyed weatherable polyester and ultraviolet inhibitors in COOL N LiTE® professional quality films are an integral part of the film itself and guaranteed to screen out 99% of the UV rays for the life of the film.