does anyone know of any adverse affects to "black" or "UV" lights in a game room?

I am talking about fading of the colours due to exposure to such light, or weakening of plastics that react to the light.

thanks all.

If I remember correctly from a thread on RGP, Blacklight will fade the hell out of artwork over time

Adam's on the money. I read the same thing on RGP awhile ago. You don't want black light/UV lights in your game room. It's fine if all your cabs are faded to white; otherwise....they will be  

Thanks guys.

No black lights for me.

I recently bought a black light just for the heck of it. Afterward, read up on it and the different types.

I think they were categorized into 3 types depending on the filter that the light passes through:

The type that are in tanning beds which obviously give off high UV, the type that are predominantly just above the spectrum of UV and those that are completely in the violet end of the spectrum and hence give off no UV. The middle grade bulb is commonly used in nightclubs, etc, I have read.

Anyway, obviously the presence of UV will fade many dies and paints. So, when using black lights in your arcade/business it is best to check which type it is. Also keep in mind a bulb that emits moderate UV and is illuminated for a few hours weekly will probably have a negligible effect over time.

Zak, if you're keeping your black lights on 24/7 you are going to attract the wrong kind of attention anyway.

Don't believe all that you read, I doubt that a little gameroom blacklight now and again is going to do that much damage. The UV in sunlight is much more intense.

The people on RGP are divided on the subject and one even went so far as to make a joke about applying Coppertone SPF35 as a preventative measure (obviously a cruel joke because I think some people beleived him). If you really want the scoop on Black Light, I'd go join the KLOV forums and ask there - many guys have black lighted their gamesrooms and installed flourescent carpets, etc.

I did some basic research on this topic when I was restoring my Jungle Drums.  It has 3 black lights in it.  However there are two types of photo enhancing black lights:

1) Black Light Black (under $20/bulb) - filters all harmful UV rays so you can look at it without harm
I also assume that this type will not affect colour, since this is also the type that was/is in TRON games.  

2) Black Light White (Over $30/bulb) - These are the type in the Jungle Drums game as well as many other black light games of the day (FYI: was also proposed to be in the TRON game but due to the harmful effects was chosen not to be included).  This light is not properly filtered and can cause DNA damage to your body, eyes, as well as fade colours on the walls, art, furniture, etc.  This is a harmful light source; however, it gives the most brilliant luminescence of white and other light colours.  The black light white bulbs are typically used in bars, since it casts the greatest light, and presents the most optimal brightness on secondary objects.

I cannot speak to UV tanning lights, but I assume that by their nature they can't be good!

In addition, general Incandescent lights cast the widest spectrum of light (as commercially available for home use).  In my work, we often require incandescent, Metal Halide or LED since these offer the widest spectrum thereby offering the best colour rendition.  On the flip side, they also offer the greatest harm of bad light (LED are not that bad!), since the spectrum is so great.

Therefore, to sum up, any way you go, you’re up mess creek! However, other then Black Light White (and perhaps UV tanning lights) it would take a VERY LONG time for you to notice any ill effects.

Just enjoy the Black Light Black in your games room.... play well and be merry.

Cheers..