Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: thedoc on 21/10/2014 01:30:01

Title: Can you redirect UV-light so you can sunbathe without the danger?
Post by: thedoc on 21/10/2014 01:30:01

John Oney asked the Naked Scientists:
   
 Can UV be mis-directed or deleted without losing the light from the sun? Refectors, prisms? So I can sunbathe without the danger.
 I'm sure someone is working on this, right?

 Can a mis-directed UV wave/beam penetrate another UV wave/beam?
What do you think?

Title: Re: Can you redirect UV-light so you can sunbathe without the danger?
Post by: chiralSPO on 21/10/2014 03:55:28

High SPF sunscreen will selectively absorb and/or scatter most of the UV radiation from the sun. There are also many materials that are clear or white to visible light, but absorb ultraviolet very strongly (could serve as window or reflector). It is also possible to selectively reflect UV radiation, but I suspect it would be too expensive for what you're after.

I suspect that tanning requires the UV radiation, so if that's your goal you might want to rethink.

Title: Re: Can you redirect UV-light so you can sunbathe without the danger?
Post by: PmbPhy on 21/10/2014 05:36:32

Quote from: thedoc John Oney

   
Can UV be mis-directed or deleted without losing the light from the sun? Refectors, prisms?

The Skin Cancer Foundation has information on window UV film which screens out UV rays. You can read about it here:
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/shade/sun-safety-cars

Quote from: thedoc John Oney

So I can sunbathe without the danger.

I hope that you're sunbathing for the mere pleasure of lying in the sun because its the UV rays that tan you. If you want to get a natural tan then you have to expose yourself to UV rays. It's safe if you do it in moderation. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_tanning

Title: Re: Can you redirect UV-light so you can sunbathe without the danger?
Post by: alancalverd on 21/10/2014 08:53:41

What is the point of sunbathing if not to expose yourself to UV? If you just like bright ambient light, use a white parasol, or stay indoors near a glass window.