Abstract
In order to determine the light sensitivities of commonly encountered furs, 17 furs from 12 species were exposed to 1.97 Mlx hours of light from a xenon arc lamp, filtered either to simulate window-filtered daylight or to remove all ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Comparison with coexposed Blue Wools showed that most samples were relatively lightfast (Blue Wool 5 or better), with darker specimens being more lightfast. Examination of the Commission internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) L*a*b* values revealed fading but also other changes: some furs darkened, and other experienced changes in b* values. Removal of UV radiation prevented darkening and usually decreased the magnitude of ΔE76 but did not prevent color changes, and one species exhibited greater change under visible light. Changes in color were accompanied by photooxidation of the keratin of all species as assessed by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy; the extent of photooxidation was decreased by filtering out UV radiation. Pre-exposure treatment with a spray application of a 1% solution of Tinuvin 292, a hindered amine light stabilizer, offered some protection against both UV and visible light-induced changes. Tinuvin 292 pre-exposure also helped prevent keratin photooxidation and light-induced mechanical damage and thus may be an appropriate preventative treatment when light exposure is unavoidable.
Youth Access to Artificial UV Radiation Exposure
