Eli5: how does this color changing putty work

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I bought some color changing putty that changes color when you put this little UV light on it and I really wanna know how this works bc it’s super cool (also is using this UV light too much harmful for my skin?)

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The putty will contain a fluorescent pigment.

Fluorescence is caused by substances that absorb short wavelength radiation (such as violet and ultraviolet light) and emits longer wavelengths of visible light. So shine UV on a fluorescent substance and it will radiate a coloured light. If the glow continues after the light is turned off, then the substance is said to be phosphorescent. There are lots of different fluorescent compounds out there and you’ll find them in things like fluorescent tubes (obviously), bank notes (for stopping counterfeiting) and tonic water.

Many so-called UV lights are actually violet LEDs and produce little if any UV – you can buy UV detectors online for a small amount of money and they can tell you if you are using genuine UV.

UV light really isn’t good for the skin – especially UVA. It can cause premature aging of the skin (blotches and the like) and in very large doses it is linked to skin cancer. Having said that, they are nowhere near as bad as the lights used for tanning and the like. Obviously, UV is not good for your eyes.

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