”A comfortable fabric featuring excellent protection against ultraviolet radiation. Guaranteed UPF rating 40+ in accordance with standard AS/NZ 4399/1996”
In July 1996 a new Australian Standard (AS/NZ 4399:1996 Sun protective clothing-evaluation and classification) was published to provide information to consumers on the relative capability of fabrics and clothing to protect the skin against solar ultraviolet radiation.
This information is provided in the form of labelling system which uses the term ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) to rate the sun protectiveness of fabrics and clothing. The Standard regulates the sun protective claims that manufacturers can make about their products. The Standard relates to unstreched, dry fabrics and clothing. The UPF rating of a garment could be lower when it is stretched or wet.
Fabrics and clothing will only provide protection to the skin areas they cover. When choosing a garment for sun protection, the important considerations are:
- The design
- The closeness of the weave
- Comfort (while dark colours offer more protection , they also absorb heat and tend to be less comfortable to wear in hot weather)
| UVR Protection | |
%UVR transmission | |
UPF ratings |
|
||||
| Good | 6,7-4,2 | 15, 20 | ||
|
||||
| Very good | 4,1-2,6 | 25,30,35 | ||
|
||||
| Excellent | <2,5 | 40,45,50,50+ | ||
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/
http://www.who.int/peh-uv/publications/english/who-ehg-95-17.htm