Measurement of the Ultra Violet Protection Factor assigned to Ultraviolet Protection Clothes

Introduction

Sunlight that reaches the earth is composed of various wavelengths designated as visible light (VIS), which can be seen by humans, ultraviolet light (UV), and infrared light (IR). The visible region of the spectrum lies between the shorter wavelength ultraviolet light and the longer wavelength infrared light. The ultraviolet radiation (UV) with shorter wavelengths has stronger energy associated with it and substances exposed to UV radiation for long periods of time can undergo deterioration and decomposition. For humans, long exposure to UV radiation can cause skin blemishes such as freckles and in the worst case, cancers. Given the current concern for UV exposure, there are many UV protected textile fabrics on the market. In this application, we use UV-Visible spectrophotometry to measure the UV protection value for these items to verify how well they protect the wearer from harmful UV radiation. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value is a regulated Standard in Europe, America, and Oceania. Here we examine common UPF values for UV protected clothing.

August 8, 2013 GMT