What substances can block UV radiation?

Author: Afton Harber  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

UV can easily be shielded by materials such as polycarbonate, metal, cardboard, and wood. Ordinary glass blocks most UV light of wavelengths less than 330 nm but may also transmit most of the UV for longer wavelengths.

What materials can block UV radiation?

Unbleached cotton contains natural lignins that act as UV absorbers. Shiny polyesters and even lightweight satiny silks can be highly protective because they reflect radiation. High-tech fabrics treated with chemical UV absorbers or dyes prevent some penetration from UV rays.

What chemical blocks UV rays?

Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays into the skin, converts them into heat, and releases them from the body. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone. Physical sunblock sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun's rays.

What blocks 100% of UV rays?

Choose UV sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays for maximum eye protection from the sun. Look for sunglasses labeled UV400, which provide nearly full protection against UV rays. These lenses block light wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, including UVA and UVB rays.

What materials can UV light not penetrate?

Most acrylic plastics will allow light of wavelength greater than 375 nm to pass through the material, but they will not allow UV-C wavelengths (100–290 nm) to pass through. Even very thin acrylic sheets of less than 5 millimeters (mm) do not let UV-C light penetrate.

What You Wear Outdoors Can Affect Your Exposure to UV and NIR Light

Which compound will not absorb UV radiation?

Chloral hydrate is an example of a chemical compound that does not absorb UV light.

What is the most UV resistant material?

Acrylic is one of the top options. Over ten years, it can have as little as 3% degradation, depending on the application. This resistance and its natural transparency make it a popular choice for signage, displays, and light fixtures.

Does aluminum foil block UV?

【SUN BLOCKING & PRIVACY PROTECTION】 Aluminum foil material improves reflectivity, blocks moderate glare and 95% of harmful UV rays (which can harm skin), prevents fading of furniture, and also can protect privacy day and night.

What color blocks UV the most?

The Cancer Council in Australia suggests that darker colors absorb UV rays, which helps block them from your skin. That's why dark blue, black, and dark red are the best colors for sun protection compared to white or pastel colors of the same fabric.

How to block UV radiation?

Protect Yourself
  1. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when possible.
  2. Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15. ...
  3. Wear clothing with a tight weave or high-SPF clothing.
  4. Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection and side panels.
  5. Take breaks in shaded areas.

What is a natural sunblock?

The key ingredients to look for in a natural sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These mineral sunblocks form a physical barrier on skin to reflect and scatter UV rays rather than absorb them. They are considered non-toxic, hypoallergenic and reef-safe.

What ingredient protects from UV rays?

Physical sunscreens (such as CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion) use mineral-based UV filters, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, to help reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients such as avobenzone and octinoxate to help absorb the sun's harmful rays.

What is a UV blocker?

UV filters are compounds, mixtures, or materials that block or absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. One of the major applications of UV filters is their use as sunscreens to protect skin from sunburn and other sun/UV related damage.

What material is UV proof?

Acrylic is among the only manufacturing materials that is inherently UV-resistant. It is a transparent plastic that suffers as little as 3% degradation over a 10-year period when used in outdoor applications. Acrylic also offers good scratch resistance, making it an excellent choice for long-term use.

What absorbs harmful UV radiation?

Ozone is a particularly effective absorber of UV radiation. As the ozone layer gets thinner, the protective filter activity of the atmosphere is progressively reduced.

Can UV rays pass through plastic?

INTERACTION OF UV RADIATION AND PLASTICS

Fortunately, many pure plastics cannot absorb UV radiation, but the presence of catalytic residues and other impurities can act as receptors to cause degradation.

What material blocks UV rays?

Synthetic and semisynthetic fibers like polyester or rayon are the best choices for sun protection, as are dense, heavy, tightly woven fabrics like wool, denim or corduroy.

What blocks 99% of harmful UV rays?

Wear sunglasses that block UV rays

Before you buy, check the label to make sure they do. If there is no label, don't assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection. Labels that say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays.

Can UV rays pass through glass?

UVB rays, the primary sunburn ray, are largely blocked by glass; but more than 50 percent of UVA rays, the main cause of premature skin aging, can penetrate glass. (Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to the development of skin cancer.)

Why do people put aluminum foil on the window?

If you're desperately attempting to keep cool, then take a roll and spread it on your windows - especially those that get direct sunlight. Windows magnify heat, so by using foil you're reflecting the sun off the window, sending it away from your home.

Does cardboard block UV rays?

UV is easily shielded by opaque materials such as metal, wood, and cardboard. Polycarbonate material is also a good UV shield. Some types of clear glass may transmit significant amounts of UV-A radiation and should not be relied on for UV protection unless UV shielding is verified.

How to prevent UV rays from phone?

A UV screen guard, also known as a UV screen protector or UV shielding film, is a specialized accessory designed to protect electronic device screens, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and digital cameras, from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

What is the strongest UV protection?

'UV400' refers to UV rays at the top end of the UV spectrum, up to the 400-nanometre wavelength. Sunglasses with this level of protection block an even wider spectrum than the CE and British Standard models, making them the ultimate protection for your eyes.

Does PVC block UV?

The quick and easy answer is, no, not really. PVC does surprisingly well when exposed to ultra violet rays (sunlight). Research shows little to no effect on PVC's tensile strength or elasticity after prolonged sun exposure. The only degradation that seems to occur is impact strength.

What is the best color to wear for sun protection?

Of all colours tested, dark blue offered the best levels of UV protection, making it the best colour to wear in the sun. Contrary to the popular belief that they are the coolest colours in the sun, white and yellow were the worst performing colours in terms of UV protection.

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