Ultraviolet radiation, or UV, is present in sunlight. Exposure to UV can cause not only sunburn but also lasting skin damage. This may result in premature skin ageing and skin cancer. The aim of sun protective clothing is to reduce a person's UV exposure.
The ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, is a rating system that shows how well a fabric protects your skin from solar UV. Measurements are made as outlined in the Australian/ New Zealand Standard AS/ NZS 4399: 1996 Sun Protective clothing- Evaluation and classification. The UPF rating system is from 15- 50+.Garments made from fabrics with rating higher than 50 are labled as UPF 50+. Anything under 15 is not considered to be UV protective.
This UPF rating is for the fabric and does not address the amount of protection which is afforded by the design of the article. The manipulation involved in the garment manufacture such as stretching and sewing may lower the UPF of the material.
Articles which have been designed to cover the maximum area of the body and recommended.
The protection offered by this item may be lessened-
i. At points the fabric is in close contact with the skin such as across the shoulders;
ii. If the fabric is stretched;
iii. If the fabric is wet; and
iv. With time, due to the effects of normal wear.
For headwear and non- clothing items:
This item does not provide protection against reflected or scattered solar ultraviolet radiation.
The table below shows the rating system.
The UPF Classification System
Protection Category
|
UPF Ratings
|
%UVR Blocked
|
Excellent protection
|
40,45,50,50+
|
More then 97.5
|
Very good protection
|
25,30,35
|
95.9 to 97.5
|
Good protection
|
15,20
|
93.3 to 95.8
|