UVC Effects on Silicone: Yellowing or Damage to Respirators?

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Secan
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UVC is known to change colors of silicone to yellow. Does this only change the visual aspects or does it somehow damage them too?

Many doctors put their 3M respirators inside UV sanitizers. Most respirators are made of silicone. Would UVC just turn them yellow or damage the silicone which can affect the face seal?
 
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I assume you mean typical germicidal 254 nm? Most silicones are translucent so damage is below the surface. Most industrial silicones include a UV absorber ("sunscreen") which may not be included in medical grade silicone. Check with the manufacturer, it may have been designed for steam sterilization.