How does light contribute to deterioration?
The effect of light on art is insidious and not readily apparent. Ultraviolet rays damage artwork in two ways. Colour may be faded by strong florescent lighting or direct sunlight. Paper also tends to absorb high energy photons which causes a chemical reaction in the paper, breaking it down and causing it to turn brittle. The effects of light on materials can be reduced by the use of glazing that filters out harmful ultraviolet rays.
