Fluorescent orange, also known as blaze orange, is a bright reddish-orange color that appears to glow or fluoresce under daylight. It is commonly used for high-visibility clothing and equipment to improve safety for activities like construction work, hunting, cycling, and other outdoor recreation. Fluorescent orange allows the wearer to stand out against most backgrounds, especially natural settings like forests or fields, making it easier for others to see and avoid them. This article will examine the history, uses, and science behind fluorescent orange, as well as some of the other names it goes by.
Other Names for Fluorescent Orange
Fluorescent orange is known by many other names, including:
- Blaze orange
- Hunter orange
- Safety orange
- International orange
- Construction orange
Blaze orange is perhaps the most common alternate name. It refers to the bright, eye-catching nature of the color. Hunter orange is used specifically for the fluorescent orange worn by hunters. Safety orange is a general term for any fluorescent orange shades used on safety vests, cones, barriers, and other equipment to improve visibility. International orange was the name originally given to the color used on the Golden Gate Bridge to help it stand out against foggy skies. Construction orange is now used in safety clothing on construction and roadwork sites.
History of Fluorescent Orange
The development of fluorescent orange pigments and dyes helped make the color more accessible and popular in the 20th century. Here is a brief overview of some key events in the history of fluorescent orange:
- 1910s – Fluorescent dyes and pigments first synthesized, allowing brighter orange shades.
- 1937 – International orange color used on Golden Gate Bridge during construction.
- 1960s – Adopted as safety color for barriers and clothing.
- 1970s – Became required color for hunters in many areas.
- 21st century – Continues to be widely used for safety and visibility.
The creation of the first fluorescent dyes and pigments allowed orange colors to be made much brighter than with traditional pigments. This enabled the vivid orange shades we now associate with fluorescent orange safety gear. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge brought international attention to the color. By the 1960s, fluorescent orange was being widely adopted for road signs, safety vests, cones, and other cautionary uses. In the 1970s, many states required hunters to wear fluorescent orange for visibility during hunting seasons. Fluorescent orange continues to be ubiquitous in safety clothing and equipment today.
Uses of Fluorescent Orange
Fluorescent orange is used in a variety of applications today where high-visibility is important, including:
Safety and Construction
– Safety vests
– Cones
– Signs
– Barriers
– Equipment
Hunting
– Hunting vests
– Hats
– Equipment
Sports
– Team uniforms
– Balls
– Equipment
Transportation
– Cones
– Signs
– Hazmat suits
Fluorescent orange safety vests, cones, and signs can be seen on any construction site or roadwork zone. It provides crucial visibility for workers and drivers. Hunters rely on their fluorescent orange gear to stand out in the wilderness. Sports teams and leagues use fluorescent orange for uniforms, equipment like balls or bases, or other gear. Airport crews handling hazardous material often wear specially designed fluorescent orange hazmat suits.
| Industry | Fluorescent Orange Uses |
|---|---|
| Construction | Safety vests, cones, barriers |
| Hunting | Hunting vests, hats |
| Sports | Uniforms, balls, equipment |
| Transportation | Cones, signs, hazmat suits |
Science of Fluorescent Orange
The vivid, glowing orange color associated with fluorescent orange is the result of physical and chemical properties of special pigments and dyes. Here is an explanation of the science behind those properties:
Pigments
Fluorescent orange pigments contain colored organic compounds that absorb some wavelengths of light and reflect others. They reflect orange wavelengths most strongly, while absorbing other colors. Special fluorescent pigments also re-emit absorbed light at orange wavelengths, making the color appear brighter.
Dyes
Fluorescent orange dyes use optical brighteners – chemical compounds that absorb ultraviolet light and violet/blue light wavelengths. They re-emit this energy at yellow/orange wavelengths, making those colors appear brighter.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence occurs when a material absorbs light energy at one wavelength and then re-emits it rapidly at a longer wavelength. This makes fluorescent colors seem to glow. Both fluorescent pigments and dyes demonstrate this fluorescence.
Brightness
Fluorescent orange colors combine brightness from reflecting orange wavelengths with extra brightness from fluorescent emission. This makes them stand out more than pigments alone could.
So in summary, special fluorescent pigments and dyes give fluorescent orange its vivid, attention-grabbing glow.
Conclusion
Fluorescent orange is an eye-catching reddish-orange color known for its brightness and visibility. With a history intertwined with 20th century engineering and innovations in pigments, it has become ubiquity as a safety color. Also called blaze orange, hunter orange, or international orange, among other names, it continues to play a vital role in protecting workers, drivers, hunters, and athletes who rely on their fluorescent orange gear to stay visible. The glow comes from fluorescent pigments and dyes that absorb non-orange wavelengths and re-emit them as orange, creating an exceptionally vivid color that appears to fluoresce under daylight. So for tasks and activities where standing out and being noticed is a must, fluorescent orange is clearly the color of choice.
