Blockers and Absorbers
Ultraviolet Light Absorbers (UVAs) are molecules used in organic materials (polymers, paints, etc.) to absorb UV light to reduce the UV degradation (photo-oxidation) of a material. A number of different UVAs with different absorption properties exist. UVAs can disappear over time, so monitoring of UVA levels in weathered materials is necessary.
In sunscreen, ingredients that absorb UVA/UVB rays, such as avobenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate, are known as absorbers. They are contrasted with physical "blockers" of UV radiation such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. (See sunscreen for a more complete list.)
Read more about this topic: Ultraviolet
Famous quotes containing the word blockers:
“Frances Stevens: Mother, this is why I’ve had to spend half my life running around the world after you—to keep men like this away from you.
Mrs. Stevens: Well after this, let me run my own interference. It looks like the blockers are having all the fun.”
—John Michael Hayes (b. 1919)