Light Blocking Properties of Various Types of Glass

[Guest guest]

Ahh.

 

Thanks, Katharine! Great explanation.

 

And, of course, thanks Butch-I wont give up just yet.

 

I'm learning from all of you about AT. I'm just an herbalist!

 

Julie

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Amber glass has been used for years in the pharmaceutical industry, and

there's a reason why. Pharmaceutical amber glass blocks 80-85% of UV

light. Not all amber glass available to the aromatherapy market is

pharmaceutical grade.

 

Cobalt glass blocks only 40-50% of UV light. The only reason for using

cobalt to store undiluted EO's is a marketing one.. the bottles are very

attractive, and customers prefer them to amber.

 

The best glass for UV protection is red, and anyone who's ever worked in

or around a darkroom is familiar with " non-photo red " lights. If you

order light-sensitive chemicals from any major chemical supplier, you'll

receive them in red glass. I am not aware of any red glass available for

aromatherapy use.

 

Violet glass has a good deal of solid research behind it, and I suspect

that it falls somewhere between amber and red as far as its UV

resistance. However, be prepared to spend 2-3 times the cost of

pharmaceutical amber, unless you have a very high volume business.

 

Katharine Koeppen

Aromaceuticals

Essential Oils frrom Artisan Distillers

[Guest guest]

On May 18, 2004, at 2:01 PM, Kath Koeppen wrote:

 

> Amber glass has been used for years in the pharmaceutical industry, and

> there's a reason why. Pharmaceutical amber glass blocks 80-85% of UV

> light. Not all amber glass available to the aromatherapy market is

> pharmaceutical grade.

>

> Cobalt glass blocks only 40-50% of UV light.

>

> The best glass for UV protection is red

>

> Violet glass has a good deal of solid research behind it, and I suspect

> that it falls somewhere between amber and red as far as its UV

> resistance. However, be prepared to spend 2-3 times the cost of

> pharmaceutical amber, unless you have a very high volume business.

>

> Katharine Koeppen

> Aromaceuticals

> Essential Oils frrom Artisan Distillers

 

Hi Katharine

Thanks for adding more information about UV light, colored glass and

essential oils.

 

I am wondering if you have a preferred source for pharmaceutical grade

amber glass that you can share with the list?

 

Sandi Thompson, R.A. Certified Integrative Aromatherapist

Force of Nature Aromatherapy

Custom Blends for Your Well Being

www.forceofnaturearomatherapy.com