Do Mylar bags protect against UV Rays?

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Mylar is a thinner metal sheet-like product that natural qualities are thermal resistance and reflection and an aluminum effect to help redirect infrared energy, which are only a few abilities this material possesses. 

In short, yes, the Mylar bag was designed from the same stuff that NASA astronauts use to protect themselves from unabated solar radiation from direct sunlight.  

So when outdoors enthusiasts get a hold of the material, it is no wonder it became emergency blanket savvy. 

These items possess the ability to conserve body heat while preventing convective and evaporative heat loss, which is critical in the colder regions of the earth and extreme climates like Mount Everest. 

Are Mylar Bags UV Resistant?

As mentioned in the passage above, the astronauts that have been a part of the NASA program will be the first to inform you of the raw ability of the Mylar material. 

Built into the Space station and astronaut suits, each of the members of the ISS has had their lives protected by this utility material. 

The reasoning is the natural ability of the aluminum-like sheets to reflect heat and redirect UV radiation away from the wearer. In short, yes, Mylar bags are designed to be ultraviolet light resistant and protect against the dangers of the sun’s rays. 

 

Do UV Rays Damage Mylar Bags?

In short, yes. Surprised? The reason is that the damaging rays from the sun will slowly break down the materials of the Mylar bag, it may take thousands of years, but eventually, the substance will be subdued by the sun’s power. 

That being said, the Mylar materials will barely even experience this damage, especially when stored away from the natural elements and any of mother nature’s interesting life forms. 

Think of it in terms of half-lives. A direct and concentrated sunbeam from a magnifying glass can fry an insect in a matter of seconds, which leaves a short half-life, an example. The Mylar bag will have a half-life far longer than this short-lived event. 

 

Can UV Pass through Polypropylene?

When it comes to plastics like Nylon or Polypropylene, there are going to be little to no resistant properties when it comes to the sun’s radiation and UV light. As a result, this plastic will receive major negative effects when exposed to the ultraviolet rays from the sun. 

The solution will be to combine the polymer with additives, such as the aluminum-like property of Mylar and similar substances. Although this is where the chemistry comes into play, not all Mylar mixtures will be the same as the DuPont original formula. 

That being said, most plastics will be at the mercy of the solar rays that zip about the solar system from the sun and other galactic sources. 

 

Why is Mylar better than Plastic?

There are many reasons to consider Mylar materials to be better than basic plastics, starting with the aluminum materials’ solar radiation and UV rays resistance capabilities. 

Then you have the Mylar and plastic’s essential utility, which is to preserve foods and other goods for extended periods of time. 

However, Mylar does preserve these foods in the long term storage needs far better than most plastic tubs, bins, bags, or otherwise; when it comes to the leader in the industry, Mylar has taken the lead to which there seems to be no letting up. 

Another reason for the Mylar taking the win would be the nearly indestructible nature of the material. Even punctures from sharp objects take higher amounts of pressure than it would take to go through equivalent plastic products. 

 

Where Shouldn’t You Store Mylar Bags?

The best part about these bags is the fact that they will survive in just about any environment without losing the integrity of the protection. However, this does not mean you should store them anywhere. 

The optimal place to store a Mylar bag, especially when it comes to storing dry goods or foods for decades at a time, would be in a dry place away from any natural or weather-related elemental hazards. 

Mostly, pests or animal-accessible areas will be the places that pose the greatest risk to Mylar and the products within. Do not store these outside, just to say it. Otherwise, most indoor areas will be suitable for storing Mylar packaging. 

 

Final Thoughts on Do Mylar Bags Protect Against UV Rays

When you compare Plastic and Mylar products, you begin to see a technological evolution that could replace most of plastics’ primary responsibilities, especially surrounding long-term food storage. 

For example, Mylar bags have come from space programs to the high altitude extreme outdoors expedition emergency blankets to protect our food from any outside hazards, including any radioactive and solar ray dangers. 

 

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