Of 28 white fabrics tested, 19 offered less protection than a sunscreen with SPF 15. Polyester fabrics offered increased protection over cotton. The presence of dyes increased protection considerably.
One of the growing concerns of the present decade is the health risk associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and its link with problems such as carcinogenesis, cataracts, sunburn, and photoaging. For protection from UVR, medical experts recommend avoiding exposure, using sunscreens, donning hats, and covering up with clothing. Research on the solar‐protective value of clothing, however, still leaves many questions unanswered. This review of literature identifies the need for appropriate protection from the sun, especially for children, and the benefits of clothing as protection. The methods and difficulties associated with assessing the UVR protection and the definition of the sun protection factor (SPF) of clothing are outlined and discussed. Studies using in vivo, radiometric, and spectrophotometric methodologies to assess the UVR transmission throughfabrics are examined. Fabric variables, identified in the literature, that have beenfound to affect UVR transmission values are discussed.
An aviator's flightsuit must protect against hazardous thermal environments. In addition, it must be comfortable, fit properly, allow for mobility, and meet several other expectations for military clothing. A systematic approach to designing protective garments is needed to ensure acceptance on all criteria. The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate garment systems for optimum thermal protection for Canadian Forces flight personnel and to determine the effect of selected garment parameters (style, fit, closure system and seam type) on thermal protection. Part I focuses on the design process. Orlando's (1979) functional apparel design process served as the conceptual framework; for this study the process incorporated a literature search, material analysis, focused group interviews and movement analysis to develop design criteria and specifications for eight alternative flightsuits incorporating the parameters of interest. The design criteria included thermal protection, other functional requirements, psychological requirements, production and maintenance. Patterns for the garments were developed using AutoCAD® and PCPattern® software. The design process allowed systematic consideration of all related aspects of the problem. Evaluation of the garments is described in Part II.
Every day, countless premature babies begin their lives weeks or even months too early. Because of being born at an early gestational age, the diminutive size of the neonate, coupled with medical problems, creates some unique clothing needs. Hospitals often have difficulty meeting these clothing needs due to budget constraints and general unavailability of the miniature sized and specially adapted clothing. This research used the functional design process as the conceptual framework to design and evaluate clothing for the premature infant in the intensive care setting. Six design criteria were identified from which specifications were developed and their interrelationships explored through an interaction matrix. Prototype garments were evaluated by caregivers in the neonatal intensive care setting in two hospitals. Results indicate that there is a definite need for clothing in a range of sizes with special adaptations for the premature infant in the intensive care setting.
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