Peggy,

I believe that they all give off UV radiation, and this is what causes the
fading of the pigments in shells. There are sleeves that can be placed
over the long tube fluorescent lights that block the UV radiation. I have
these on the fluorescent lights in my basement. I am not aware of any such
cover for the fluorescent lights that screw into tradition light fixtures
like incandescent bulbs. If such a device exist, I would love to know
about it.

The effect of the UV radiation diminishes the further away from the light
source the shells are located. Thus, a tabletop lamp would be more
damaging than a ceiling lamp. There are meters that measure the UV
radiation, however, I suspect their cost is more than most of us are
willing to spend.

Also, one has to consider how long the shells will be subject to the
light. The longer the exposure, the greater the fading. If we were using
such lights in a museum exhibit, where the shells would be exposed to the
light for 8-12 hours a day, I would be concerned. If the exposure was only
a few hours a week, and we were talking about ceiling lights, I would be
much less concerned.

> I've heard that florescent tube light fades shells rather faster than
> incandescent. Does anyone know about the fading effects of the new
> florescent lightbulbs?
>
> Peggy
>
>              Peggy Williams: shell collecting trips
> author of Shallow Water Turridae of Florida and the Caribbean
>
>             Visit my website: www.Shelltrips.com
>                                 PO Box 575
>                          Tallevast FL 34270
>                             (941) 355-2291
>                     [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>


Regards,
Charlie
.................................................
Research Associate - Section of Mollusks
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Assistant Professor - Family Medicine

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