Abstract
Elevated exposure to Ultra-Violet Radiation (UVR) from the sun has led to adverse effects on human skin and foods, and therefore, the need for materials that offer resistance to Ultra-Violet (UV) penetration for protection. Some building window and non-window-materials, car-glasses, Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) rubber and plastic materials have been investigated to determine their transparencies and suitability for use as shields against UVR. These were studied by directly measuring scattered solar radiation through the optical window of a spectrometer and then measuring the scattered light when the window was completely covered with the material to be examined. Wavelengths of light that were not absorbed when sunlight was incident on the samples and the transmitted intensity of sunlight at each wavelength through each sample as compared to the transmitted intensity through air were determined in the UVB and UVA spectral regions. The results showed that the building window-glasses were opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA while the non-window-glasses exhibited transparency in the UVB and UVA spectral regions. The car-glass (laminated), used as windscreen, was opaque to UVB and UVA while the side-glass (non-laminated) was opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA. Perspex, sometimes used as an alternative to windscreen and side-glass in cars, exhibited transparency in UVB and UVA spectral regions. The LLDPE materials used for food storage were transparent to UVB and UVA while the PET plastic materials used for water, fruit juice and beverage storage was opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA.
Highlights
The results showed that the building window-glasses were opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA while the non-window-glasses exhibited transparency in the UVB and UVA spectral regions
The Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) materials used for food storage were transparent to UVB and UVA while the Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic materials used for water, fruit juice and beverage storage was opaque to UVB but transparent to UVA
The sun supports all life on our planet, but its life-giving rays pose a threat in the form of Ultra-Violet Radiation (UVR) present between 200 nm-400 nm
Summary
The sun supports all life on our planet, but its life-giving rays pose a threat in the form of Ultra-Violet Radiation (UVR) present between 200 nm-400 nm. For instance, is composed of several light-sensitive components including terpene hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing compounds that degrade upon exposure to UV radiation The degradation of such flavor and fragrance ingredients in foods lead to a diminished sensory profile and the formation of unpleasant qualities detectable when taste and smell are at low concentrations (Connor, 2004). Known as Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or acrylic glass, is an important synthetic thermoplastic material It is a clear plastic often used as a shatter-proof replacement to glass, offers resistance to strong alkaline or acid solutions and stable to heat and light (Alshehry & Ismail, 2008). Types Studied Clear, Reflective, Tinted and Wired-Tinted Glasses Quartz Glass, Perspex, Furniture-Glass Windscreen (laminated), Side-Glass (non-laminated) Grain and Food Storage Bags Liquid Storage Bags (sachet bags) Plastic Bottle Containers for Liquid Storage
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