Synthetic fiber slings are vulnerable to degradation from what type of light?

• A. Ultraviolet light
• B. LED light
• C. Neon light
• D. Alternative light

Answer: (A)

Ultraviolet light has high-energy photons that can break the chemical bonds in synthetic polymers used in fiber slings. When these bonds break, polymer chains shorten or rearrange in ways that make the material lose strength and become brittle, and colors can fade. This is why outdoor exposure to sunlight—the sun’s UV component—is a common cause of degradation for synthetic slings. In practice, store slings away from direct sun, and inspect for signs of embrittlement or reduced strength over time; many fibers (nylon, polyester, polypropylene) are especially affected unless they’re UV-stabilized or protected. LED and neon lights emit mostly visible light with little UV, so they’re not the primary drivers of this damage, and “alternative light” isn’t a standard factor in degradation.