Abstract
The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing at an alarming rate over the past several decades. While there are many factors involved in the onset of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has clearly been identified as an important factor. Apart from avoidance of the sun, the most frequently used form of UV protection is the application of sunscreens. Secondly, the most frequently recommended form of UV protection is the use of hats, and proper selection of clothing. The ultraviolet properties of textiles dyed with synthetic dyes have been widely reported in literature. However, there are limited studies on the ultraviolet protection level of eco-friendly fabrics dyed with natural colorants. This study reports the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of bamboo fabric with three different knit structures dyed with natural colorants of plant origin. The bamboo fabrics were dyed with two natural colorants namely Annatto Gold and Eclipta Green. The dyeing parameters were optimised. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor of the fabric with respect to fabric construction, weight, thickness and dyeing was measured in-vitro using Ultraviolet Transmission Analyzer, standard AATCC – 183. The results indicate that there is positive correlation between the weight of the fabric and Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Similarly, thicker the fabric more is the protection. Dyeing with natural colorants dramatically increased the UV protection of all three fabric constructions. Thus, dyeing bamboo fabrics with natural colorants increases the ultraviolet protection of the fabrics and can be considered as an effective protection against ultraviolet rays.
Highlights
High, short-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes sunburns and long-term exposure leads to skin cancer
This study reports the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of bamboo fabric with three different knit structures dyed with natural colorants of plant origin
The results indicate that there is positive correlation between the weight of the fabric and Ultraviolet Protection Factor
Summary
Short-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes sunburns and long-term exposure leads to skin cancer. The National Toxicology Program of U.S, Department of Health and Human Services has classified ultraviolet radiation as a known human carcinogen [1]. A primary reason for the increased incidence of skin cancer is attributed to ozone depletion. Each one percent decrease in ozone concentration is predicted to increase the rate of skin cancer by 2% to 5% [2]. Other reasons for the skin cancer can be traced to lifestyle changes such as excessive exposure to sunlight during leisure activities, for example, playing outdoors and swimming in the case of children and fishing in the case of adults. UV Radiation is defined as “that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between x rays and visible light”[5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
