The Garment Protection Factor (GPF): an index for sun-protective clothing that combines garment coverage and UVR transmittance
Paper
Paper/Presentation Title | The Garment Protection Factor (GPF): an index for sun-protective clothing that combines garment coverage and UVR transmittance |
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Presentation Type | Paper |
Authors | Harrison, Simone L. (Author), Downs, Nathan J. (Author), Rawlings, Alex T. (Author) and Parisi, Alfio V. (Author) |
Number of Pages | 2 |
Year | 2018 |
Place of Publication | Canada |
Web Address (URL) of Paper | http://www.uvandskincancer2018.org/ |
Conference/Event | 4th International Conference on UV & Skin Cancer Prevention 2018 |
Event Details | 4th International Conference on UV & Skin Cancer Prevention 2018 Event Date 01 to end of 04 May 2018 Event Location Toronto, Canada |
Abstract | Introduction: Clothing provides a protective barrier that reduces the amount of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) reaching the skin. Industry standards for sun-protective clothing have been implemented in Australia/New Zealand, Europe, and the USA. However, ratings and labelling used for clothing marketed as sun-protective do not routinely communicate the importance of garment coverage, although evidence suggests that this may be as important in preventing skin damage as the UVR-transmittance of the fabric. We propose a new index for sun-protective clothing called 'the Garment Protection Factor (GPF)' which considers both the body surface area (BSA) covered by a garment and the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of the fabric from which it is made. Methods: Manikins (range of sizes and ages) were fixed to an optical bench and marked with horizontal lines at 1 cm intervals. The GPF algorithm was developed based on the number of lines visible on clothed versus unclothed manikins and the UPF of the garment fabric. Results: The GPF weights fabric UPF by the BSA-covered above the minimum specified in international sun-protective clothing standards for upper-body, lower-body and all-in-one garments. GPF increases with BSA-covered and UPF. Three nominal categories are proposed: 0 ≤GPF<3 for garments that 'meet' minimum standards; 3 ≤GPF< 6 for garments that provide 'good' sun-protection; and GPF ≥6 for garments that provide ‘excellent’ protection. Conclusions: The proposed GPF provides a means by which garment design (in terms of proportion of skin covered) and fabric UPF can be reported in a single index. Adopting the GPF would encourage manufacturers to design sun-protective garments that exceed the minimum standard for BSA-coverage. The research may also assist efforts to standardize the evaluation and labelling of sun-protective clothing across global markets, with positive implications for consumer awareness and skin cancer prevention world-wide. |
Keywords | GPF, ultraviolet, UPF, skin cancer |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 350505. Occupational and workplace health and safety |
429999. Other health sciences not elsewhere classified | |
Public Notes | Abstract published in conference programme. |
Byline Affiliations | James Cook University |
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q4qwv/the-garment-protection-factor-gpf-an-index-for-sun-protective-clothing-that-combines-garment-coverage-and-uvr-transmittance
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