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.

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Consolidation of highly degraded silk artifacts is difficult because there is no entirely satisfactory treatment. One option recently introduced to the field of conservation is parylene-C, a polymer whose unique gas-phase deposition method allows extremely thin (below l,um), highly conformal coatings to be applied. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the long-term effect of light on silk fabrics coated with parylene-C, including change of colour, stiffness, tensile properties and appearance in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of parylene-C depended upon fabric construction, colour and initial strength. A thin coating « l,um) made very fragile, naturally aged silk easier to handle although fabrics became somewhat stiffer; smooth, dark coloured silks became slightly irridescent. When fabrics coated with parylene-C were exposed to simulated daylight, the coating continued to consolidate fragile silks but did not reduce degradation if UV light was present. Because coating with parylene is an irreversible process, the decision to treat a fragile textile must be carefully made; however, for highly degraded silks, this treatment may be appropriate if an alternative method is not available.

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