Some Facts About Sun Exposure.

UV Rays: What are they?

UVA is a long wavelength that penetrates the skin very deeply, degrading the elastic fibers in the skin. This causing aging, some sunburn and adds to the effect of UVB rays.

UVB rays penetrate the top layers of the skin creating sunburn. This sunburn promotes skin aging and is the main cause of skin carcinomas.

Exposure to UVA and UVB rays have a cumulative effect on the body. The more exposure the more potential damage is done.

FACTS

1. Skin cancer cases have grown by 750% since 1990.
2. It is not necessary to burn to have harmful UV rays absorb into the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
3. Skin cancer is a cumulative disease from prolonged exposure to harmful rays.
4. Sun screens, while valuable, are limited and have been questioned as to the ability to block UVB rays.
5. Typical cotton t-shirt can allow 50% of the UVB rays to penetrate. A sweat moistened t-shirt allows even more UVB penetration.

SOLAR PROTECTED GARMENTS

Standards and Testing:

Fabrics require a full photospectrometer UVA and UVB transmittance (nanometer by nanometer) testing in new, dry and wet configurations: accelerated UV exposure testing for the equivalent of two years in Florida humidity and temperature. Presently testing to 100 laundering. Skin irritation testing to be sure that the most sensitive skin is not irritated. The percentage of UVB blocking abilities of the fabric should be in the 79% to 99% range even after two years of wear and tear.

Results of Product Testing:

Knitted products made specially from 100% cotton, blocks up to 99% of the UVA and UVB rays transmitting into and SPF of more than 30. These treated cottons have no distinguishable differences in fell. The UV treatment actually bonds to the cotton fibers and will not wash out, tested in over 100 washings.

All products meet set guidelines and standards of the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Products Safety Commission.