BASIC NOTES ON SUN PROTECTION

DUE TO THE INCREASE OF SKIN CANCER DURING THE LAST DECADES,
SEVERAL COUNTRIES HAVE TAKEN MEASURES TO IMPROVE SUN PROTECTION

Playgrounds without sun protection pose a risk to children’s health and cannot be used at peak sun hours, as the equipment burns. Protecting equipment from UV rays also helps to extend its service life, resulting in long-term savings.

SHADE TO PROTECT HEALTH

Shade is the first method of prevention. Seeking shade, especially from 12h to 16h, is the most important way to avoid sunburn and future skin problems caused by the sun.

RAYS OF LIGHT

UVA

Although UVA and UVB rays affect the skin differently, both cause damage.

Ultra violet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength, and is associated with skin aging.

UVA rays cause tanning, sunburn and contribute to the development of skin cancer.

UVA rays maintain the same level of strength during daylight hours throughout the year.
It can penetrate windows and clouds.

RAYS OF LIGHT

Ultra violet B (UVB) rays have a shorter wavelength and are associated with skin burns.

UVB penetrates and damages the outermost layers of the skin. Overexposure causes tanning, sunburn and, in severe cases, blisters.

UVB intensity fluctuates, rays are strongest and present the highest risk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., from spring to fall.

Can be filtered and does not penetrate the glass

Variants to consider when choosing a fabric if UV protection is required

THE AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS4174: 2018 - RELATING TO SYNTHETIC SHADE FABRICS DEFINES THESE PARAMETERS FOR TESTING HUMAN PROTECTION:

UVE
COVER FACTOR
SHADE FACTOR
UVR BLOCK

Variants to consider when choosing a fabric if UV protection is required

1 in 5 Spaniards will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

80% of sun damage occurs before the age of 18.

SHADE IS NOT THE SAME AS PROTECTION FROM UV RAYS.

THERE ARE MANY MATERIALS THAT ARE USED TO MAKE SHADE COVERS, WHICH DO NOT PROVIDE THE NECESSARY UV PROTECTION FOR PEOPLE:

– SOME LOSE UV-BLOCKING PROPERTIES AFTER 1-2 YEARS
– CAN BREAK DOWN AND DISINTEGRATE AFTER ONE TO TWO SEASONS
– SOME OPTIONS ARE MORE INTERESTED IN AESTHETICS THAN IN PROTECTING PEOPLE
– THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR TARPAULINS WITH A LOW COVERAGE FACTOR DEVELOPED FOR AGRICULTURAL USES, SUCH AS HORTSHADE BY GALE PACIFIC, WHICH DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT UV BLOCKING RATIO AND ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR HUMAN PROTECTION.

THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND FUTURE ADULTS IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY.

Based on images and information of Gale Pacific shade sails.