A couple questions about filtering standard 48" fluorescent tube lamps for UV:

1. Can anyone provide a source for flexible Mylar UV filters that curl around fluorescent tube lamps? Gaylord and University Products both carry this product, but they cost about $6 each. I found another source out of Andover, MA called North Solar Screen that sell a similar product for $3.75 each. I was surprised by the high cost per filter and and would like to find out if these filters are available elsewhere for less.

2. Is anyone using fluorescent bulbs that have built-in UV blocking? I came across a product from GE called Ecolux covRguard that blocks all light wavelengths below 520 nanometers (the entire UV spectrum and some of the visible spectrum). These bulbs are also shatterproof. We're looking into the cost effectiveness of using a bulb with built-in UV blocking versus a regular fluorescent lamp with a separate UV filter, but I would like to know if the GE covRguard (or other similar product) works as described by the manufacturer.

Thanks.

Rob Kent
Senior Collection Manager
Chicago History Museum

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