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

Abstract

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.

Assessment of UV Protection for Children's Summer Clothing

“…Another limitation to note is that an initial UPF value was obtained upon purchase of the garment and not after washing. Although consumers may wash clothing upon purchase prior to wearing, Fernau et al demonstrated that clothing not specifically treated with UV chemical finishes was more likely to retain stable UPF values through laundering [15].…”

“…For textiles manufactured via embedding inorganic sunscreen filters into the textile or treated with organic sunscreen filters to increase the UV protective qualities of the textile, there is the potential for these finishes to be affected by the laundering process. Fernau et al demonstrated that for textiles not treated with organic or inorganic sunscreen filters, the UPF ratings of untreated textiles remained relatively stable through 50 laundering cycles [15].…”