Abstract: An enhanced UV-emitting fluorescent lamp is described that provides a UV spectral emission for simultaneously tanning of the human skin and promotion of vitamin D production in the human body. The lamp contains a phosphor layer having a phosphor blend of three rare-earth-activated phosphors: SrB4O7:Eu, LaPO4:Ce and YPO4:Ce. Preferably, the phosphor blend comprises 25-27% SrB4O7:Eu, 23-26% LaPO4:Ce, and 47-52% YPO4:Ce by weight.

Abstract: An enhanced UV-emitting fluorescent lamp is described that provides a UV spectral emission for simultaneously tanning of the human skin and promotion of vitamin D production in the human body. The lamp contains a phosphor layer having a phosphor blend of three rare-earth-activated phosphors: SrB4O7:Eu, LaPO4:Ce and YPO4:Ce. Preferably, the phosphor blend comprises 25-27% SrB4O7:Eu, 23-26% LaPO4:Ce, and 47-52% YPO4:Ce by weight.

Abstract: There are provided UV-emitting phosphors, a phosphor blend and a lamp containing same. The blend is comprised of a mixture of a YPO4:Ce phosphor and a LaPO4:Ce phosphor. The YPO4:Ce and LaPO4:Ce phosphors may be surface treated to increase their isoelectric point to enhance lamp stabilization. A third phosphor having an isoelectric point that is at least 3 pH units higher than either of the YPO4:Ce and LaPO4:Ce phosphors also may be added to improve lamp stabilization time. The phosphor blend is lead-free and lamps containing the blend provide equivalent performance to state-of-the-art tanning lamps.