title: Evaluation of window-tinting films for sunlight phototherapy.
abstract: We evaluated nine semi-transparent plastic window-tinting films for their ability to block ultraviolet A (UVA) and infrared (IR) radiation and transmit therapeutic blue light (400-520 nm) for treating jaundiced newborns. For indoor testing, three light sources (TL/52 special blue fluorescent, Black Light UVA and IR heat lamps) were positioned above each film and measured successively using a thermocouple thermometer, UVA radiometer and blue light irradiance meter, placed below each film. For outdoor testing, the same setup was used with the sun at zenith and a cloudless sky. Compared with unfiltered radiation, blue light transmission through films ranged from 24 to 83%, UVA transmission was 0.1-7.1% and reductions in IR heat were 6-12°C and 5-10°C for heat lamp and sun, respectively. The data suggest that most of the relatively low-cost window-tinting films tested can effectively reduce sunlight UV and IR and offer a range of significant attenuations of therapeutic blue light.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5208, USA.
authors.forename: Hendrik J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Vreman
authors.forename: Tina M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Slusher
authors.forename: Ronald J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: Bolajoko O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Olusanya
authors.forename: David K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007259:Infrared Rays / Q000009:adverse effects; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation; D013472:Sunlight; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D001663:Bilirubin
keywords: Hyperbilirubinemia; Jaundice; Newborn; Phototherapy; bilirubin