An Overview of Ultraviolet-Protective Clothing

Lu, Jasmine T; Ilyas, Erum

doi:10.7759/cureus.27333

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Sun‐protective clothing may be designed to be sun‐protective (with ultraviolet protection factor [UPF] ratings) or incidentally sun‐protective 41 . Normal clothing with higher levels of sun protection is densely woven, often composed of polyester fabrics, and/or has high‐intensity dyes, for example, dark polyester 41 . Thick fabrics like linen and denim are a good choice 42 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thick fabrics like linen and denim are a good choice 42 . Frequent laundering may reduce UVR protection by reducing fabric density 41 . The garment protection factor (GPF) scale incorporates UPF and body surface area coverage and emphasizes the importance of the extent of clothing coverage 41 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…41 Normal clothing with higher levels of sun protection is densely woven, often composed of polyester fabrics, and/or has high-intensity dyes, for example, dark polyester. 41 Thick fabrics like linen and denim are a good choice. 42 Frequent laundering may reduce UVR protection by reducing fabric density.…”

Section: Avoiding Peak Solar Uvr Hoursmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…42 Frequent laundering may reduce UVR protection by reducing fabric density. 41 The garment protection factor (GPF) scale incorporates UPF and body surface area coverage and emphasizes the importance of the extent of clothing coverage. 41 The use of physical barriers is important because the South African population includes many unemployed people (32.9% in 2023), and sunscreen is unlikely to be a financial priority to many individuals.…”

Section: Avoiding Peak Solar Uvr Hoursmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrated sun protection advice for the South African population

Tod,

Whitaker,

Visser

et al. 2023

Int J Dermatology

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Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is associated with several cutaneous adverse effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, in South Africa there are no formal guidelines on sun protection. A group of South African dermatologists and researchers convened over the course of 1 year to deliberate on integrated advice for sun protection among the multi‐ethnic South African population. For people with light skin and those with genetic skin disorders (e.g., oculocutaneous albinism), sun protection was identified as critical to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and photoaging. The evidence is less clear for people with medium and darker skin types, especially the latter, in whom melanin may confer a degree of protection against some parts of the solar spectrum. Recent studies have demonstrated that visible light can cause pigmentary changes in individuals with darker skin types in particular. Sun protection for people of all skin colors is beneficial to protect against photoaging and ocular damage. Herein sun protection advice is suggested for South Africans of all skin colors to reduce morbidity and mortality from sun exposure, particularly relating to skin cancer. Several knowledge gaps are identified as future research priorities.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Avoiding Peak Solar Uvr Hoursmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Avoiding Peak Solar Uvr Hoursmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrated sun protection advice for the South African population

Tod,

Whitaker,

Visser

et al. 2023

Int J Dermatology

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“…UPF materials can achieve UV protection via several natural properties of the fibers used to construct the textile, in addition to aspects of textile construction, coloration, and composition. An additional means to artificially achieve added UV protection to textiles is to add sunscreen additives to the construction process either by embedding metal oxides into the fibers during the construction process or coating the textiles with chemical sunscreen additives [ 7 ]. UV textiles can protect the skin by reflecting, absorbing, and scattering solar wavelengths.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Routine Laundering on Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) Values for Commercially Available Sun-Protective Clothing

Fernau,

Ilyas,

Ilyas

2023

Cureus

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BackgroundUltraviolet (UV) radiation has potentially harmful effects on the skin. Sunscreen products have historically focused on blocking UV-B radiation to prevent sunburns while efforts to block UV-A radiation have been lacking. UV protective clothing, rated by ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values, has gained popularity as an alternative form of UV protection, offering a physical barrier against UV rays. However, concerns arise regarding the disclosure and sustainability of UV-protective textiles, as companies often do not disclose the methods used to achieve UV protection. The addition of chemical sunscreen additives to textiles raises questions about their potential release during laundering and their impact on sustained UV protection and environmental health. Further research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of these practices. MethodsSeven garments from commercially available sun-protective brand names claiming UV protection were tested for UPF values. The garments were washed separately using cold water in commercially available detergent in cold water followed by drying on a low setting. UPF measurements were obtained at baseline and at intervals of 10 wash cycles until 50 wash cycles were completed. ResultsTwo brands (Brands A and D) experienced a significant decrease in UPF value (70% to 78%) by the completion of 50 washes. Brand A disclosed the use of a nano-zinc additive in their garments while Brand D did not disclose the means of achieving UV protection. In comparison, five brands (Brands B, C, E, F, G) maintained relatively stable UPF values throughout the 50 washes. The comparison between Brand A and Brand G, who disclosed their UV protection methods, showed that Brand A gradually decreased in UPF value throughout the washes while Brand G remained stable. ConclusionThe findings suggest that textile compositions with UV finishes may lose their UPF effectiveness during laundering by loss of the finish used over time or the textile integrity could be affected. This raises questions about the necessity of adding these UV finishes if there are fabrics that can maintain their UPF values without them.

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Development of UV protective and antimicrobial CVC fabric using colloidal zinc oxide solution with carrot and orange peel extract

Ghosh,

Repon,

Anas

et al. 2024

SPE Polymers

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Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause degenerative changes in the cells, fibrous tissues and blood vessels. Moreover, microbiological attacks pose severe risks to human health and are a major cause of sickness worldwide. The aim of this work is to develop UV protective and antimicrobial materials using zinc oxide (ZnO) colloidal solution with carrot and orange peel extract. Treated samples were subjected to color strength (K/S value) measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM) image analysis, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) test, bacterial reduction rate analysis and bursting strength measurement. The study revealed that the treated fabric exhibited remarkable UV protection capabilities, as evidenced by low transmission percentages across UV wavelengths and an outstanding UPF rating of 50, signifying excellent defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, antibacterial tests revealed the significant effectiveness of the treatment against common bacterial strains, with impressive reduction rates for Staphylococcus aureus (99.99%) and Escherichia coli (99.17%). Furthermore, the fabric's bursting strength, both in dry and wet conditions, remained nearly unchanged after treatment. ATR‐FTIR analysis and SEM imaging provided insights into the phytochemical compounds that give protection against UV composition (44.63–49.91) and surface morphology of the treated fabric, elucidating the mechanisms behind its enhanced properties. Due to the availability of carrot and orange peel in nature and low cost of raw materials, this process can be considered to apply commercially for further research purposes.Highlights Utilization of carrot and orange peel waste. Successful application of zinc oxide for antibacterial and ultraviolet protective materials. Excellent defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Significant effectiveness against common bacterial strains. Low cost and commercially viable functional materials.

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An Overview of Ultraviolet-Protective Clothing

Cited by 8 publications

References 16 publications

Integrated sun protection advice for the South African population

Integrated sun protection advice for the South African population

The Impact of Routine Laundering on Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) Values for Commercially Available Sun-Protective Clothing

Development of UV protective and antimicrobial CVC fabric using colloidal zinc oxide solution with carrot and orange peel extract

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