Measurement of UV protection afforded by sunscreens and clothing
Measurement system
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SPF (Sun protection factor)
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UVA‐PF (UVA‐protection factor)
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UPF (Ultraviolet protection factor)
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Definition
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- The dose of UVA causing observable pigment darkening (minimal pigment dose [MPD]) after applying 2 mg/cm2 of sunscreen to skin divided by the dose producing 1 MPD on unprotected skin
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- The ability of fabrics to prevent UV radiation transmission via absorption and/or reflection and highly dependent on fabric type, color, porosity, thickness, weight, and other factors
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Developed for
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Global acceptance
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UV wavelengths protected
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Examples
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- UVA‐PF1 protects against 20–39% of UVA
- UVA‐PF2 protects against 40–69% of UVA
- UVA‐PF3 protects against 70–95% of UVA
- UVA‐PF4 protects against >95% of UVA
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- UPF cotton 5–10
- UPF denim 1700
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2]
References