Abstract
Metallized rescue sheets are essential components in first aid boxes and professional emergency equipment for provision of thermal insulation. We investigated the transparency for visual light and the transmission of ultraviolet radiation and high-energy visible light in the violet/blue band of rescue sheets under laboratory conditions to evaluate the potential of blocking solar radiation during outdoor activities. An experimental study was performed using two commercially available brands of rescue sheets. Transmission of visible light and ultraviolet light was assessed by optometry. Single-layer transparency for visible light was between 1% and 8%. Transmission for high-energy visible light in the violet/blue band and ultraviolet A rays was between 1% and 13% for the single layer and between 0% and 3% for the double layer of the rescue sheets. Transmission for ultraviolet B rays afforded by each tested rescue sheet brand was between 0% and 1% for the single layer. Double-layer rescue sheets blocked 100% of ultraviolet B radiation. In conclusion, single layer rescue sheets were sufficiently permeable for visible light and diminished transmission for ultraviolet radiation and high-energy visible light in the violet/blue band to potentially protect from solar radiation if used for facial protection and as makeshift sun googles.
Highlights
Damage to eyes and skin from solar radiation are mostly associated with high-energy rays in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and high-energy visible (HEV) light in the violet/blue band[1,2,3,4]
Eye effects related to chronic sunlight exposure include photochemical cataract and pterygium, due to UV component, uveal melanoma and eyelid malignancies, and macular degeneration related to visible light and near UVA2–4
In an experimental study we investigated the degree of visible light transparency and ultraviolet ray transmission of conventional rescue sheets commonly used by emergency medical services
Summary
Damage to eyes and skin from solar radiation are mostly associated with high-energy rays in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and high-energy visible (HEV) light in the violet/blue band[1,2,3,4]. Eye effects related to chronic sunlight exposure include photochemical cataract and pterygium, due to UV component, uveal melanoma and eyelid malignancies, and macular degeneration related to visible light and near UVA2–4. There are reports that rescue blankets can reflect infrared radiation, so far, no information is provided on transmission of UV radiation and HEV-light[14]. In an experimental study we investigated the degree of visible light transparency and ultraviolet ray transmission of conventional rescue sheets commonly used by emergency medical services. We wanted to find out whether rescue sheets can block solar radiation and function as makeshift snow goggles in the absence of sunglasses
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