24th January 2007, 06:48 PM
Sorry, I should have mentioned that the Aussie hi-vis clothing has a guaranteed ultraviolet protection factor of UPF50.
I understand that some of the hi-vis polo shirts available in the UK do not carry the same guarantee.
Most Australian sun-protective clothing is made from Lycra and similar man-made materials, as these can block virtually all ultraviolet radiation. (UPF50 denotes that only 2% UVR will get through the material).
Cotton (particularly damp cotton) is apparently a very poor blocker of ultraviolet radiation (as low as UPF2, allowing 50% of UVR through) and is not generally recommended.
I understand that some of the hi-vis polo shirts available in the UK do not carry the same guarantee.
Most Australian sun-protective clothing is made from Lycra and similar man-made materials, as these can block virtually all ultraviolet radiation. (UPF50 denotes that only 2% UVR will get through the material).
Cotton (particularly damp cotton) is apparently a very poor blocker of ultraviolet radiation (as low as UPF2, allowing 50% of UVR through) and is not generally recommended.