Radiation Safety Committee
Clothing and solar uv protection
Some Frequently Asked Questions
- What is UV radiation?
- Why is UV radiation dangerous?
- How can you protect yourself from UV radiation?
- What does a UPF rating mean?
- How can you choose a good sun protection garment?
- Where can you purchase sun protective garments?
- Is there a Standard for garments?
- What is the UPF certification scheme?
- Where can I get further information?
- What other precautions can I take to protect myself?
What is UV radiation?
Of the many types of radiation emitted by the sun, mainly visible (light) and infrared (heat) reach the earth’s surface. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is also present but we cannot see it or feel it. Ozone in the atmosphere absorbs much of the dangerous UVR before it reaches the ground but we can still receive enough to cause sunburn and more serious health problems.
Why is UV radiation dangerous?
Exposure to UVR can cause not only sunburn but also lasting skin damage. This may result in premature skin ageing and skin cancer. UVR can also cause eye disorders such as cataracts.
Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Our country has high UVR levels and relatively clear skies. Poor use of sun protection measures during outdoor work and leisure, means our mainly fair-skinned population has a high exposure to UVR. The risk of a person eventually developing skin cancer is related to the amount of UVR they are exposed to over their lifetime, particularly in childhood.
How can you protect yourself from UV radiation?
- Avoid going outdoors in the middle of the day (10am to 2pm) when the sun is highest (11am to 3pm during daylight saving). This practice can dramatically reduce your UVR exposure.
- When outdoors, choose shaded areas where you cannot directly see the sun or the open sky.
- Wear well designed clothing that covers the arms and legs as well as the body.
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat which shades the face, ears and back of the neck.
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
- Apply at least SPF 15 sunscreen to all areas of the body that are not covered by clothing. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or activities causing heavy perspiration as sunscreens do wear off.
- Young children do not understand the dangers of UVR. Protect them with shade, suitable clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Well designed sun protective clothing is available in children’s sizes.
What does a UPF rating mean?
In Australia on clear summer days people with unprotected fair skin can receive enough UVR to exceed recommended exposure limits and cause a sunburn in about 15 minutes. If their skin is covered with a garment, the UVR exposure they accumulate will be significantly reduced.
For example, wearing a well designed garment with a UPF rating of 20 will reduce solar UVR exposure to the skin beneath the garment by a factor of 20.
Another way of looking at UPF ratings is that a fabric with a UPF rating of 15 will only allow one fifteenth of the UVR to pass through it; A UPF 20 fabric will only allow one twentieth of the UVR to pass through it, and so on.
The aim of sun protective clothing is to reduce a person’s UVR exposure.
What affects the UPF of a fabric?
- Different fabrics have different UVR-absorbing properties.
- Less UVR passes through tightly woven or knitted fabrics.
- Darker colours usually block more UVR.
- Heavier weight fabrics usually block more UVR than light fabrics of the same type.
- Garments that are over-stretched, wet or worn out may have reduced UVR protection
How can you choose a good sun protection garment?
The UPF rating on many garments indicates clearly how good the fabric is at blocking UVR but the design of the garment also needs to be considered. Shirts with long sleeves and high collars, hats that shade the face and protect the back of the neck and ears are most effective. Loose fitting clothing is usually more protective than tight fitting clothing.
Where can you purchase sun protective garments?
Many state anti-cancer authorities, department stores, children’s stores and sports stores stock UPF rated garments.
Is there a Standard for garments?
Published in July 1996, AS/NZS 4399 describes standard laboratory procedures for measuring the UPF of fabrics and for labelling UPF rated clothing. Fabrics are assigned a UPF rating number and also a protection category depending on how much UV radiation they block out. This table shows the rating system.
| UPF Rating | Protection Category | % UVR Blocked |
|---|---|---|
| 15 - 24 | Good | 93.3 - 95.9 |
| 25 - 39 | Very Good | 96.0 - 97.4 |
| 40 and over | Excellent | 97.5 or more |
What is the UPF certification scheme?
This was developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency to guide purchasers of sun protective clothing. Garments made from fabrics tested by recognised laboratories are labelled with a tag showing the garment’s UPF rating which assures consumers of the protective ability of the fabric.
Where can I get further information?
Most State anti-cancer authorities and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency produce a range of publications on radiation related matters. The Resource Guide for UVR Protective Products lists sources of UPF rated fabrics, clothing and other UVR protective products and is available from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
What other precautions can I take to protect myself?
- Avoid outdoor activities in the middle of the day when the sun is highest.
- Choose outdoor areas shaded from direct sun and open sky.
- Wear well designed clothing that covers the body, arms and legs.
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat which shades the face, ears and back of the neck.
- Wear well designed sunglasses.
- Use at least SPF 15 sunscreen.