By: Polly Chiu andDr.Jimmy K.C.Lam

Textile researchers in Hong Kong found that tightness factor andknit structures play an important role in preventing UV radiation from reachingour skin

People have been using textile materials and clothing since the ancienttimes for the purposes of protection, comfort and adornment. More recently,advanced material technology makes it possible to turn clothing into a guardagainst skin cancer and in particular melanoma (a kind of skin cancer) causedby excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the Sun.

Before the 1990s, consumers were largely unaware of the role ofclothing in UV protection and showed little interest in this feature. Now,there is a growing demand for casual and active apparel giving added value towearers without hindering the level of comfort. Fabrics with greater levels ofsun protection can have a competitive edge in an increasingly health-consciousage.

Recent statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO) show thatthe number of people died of skin cancer is increasing each year.

Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world.Over 1,000 people died of skin cancer in Australia annually in addition toapproximately 270,000 new cases of skin cancer being diagnosed. Scientistsbelieve that the dominant reason for the occurrence of skin cancers is relatedto cumulative UVR exposure. Reasons for the high levels of UVR includegeographical location, close proximity to the equator, relatively clearatmospheric conditions, and the influence of ozone depletion.


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Originallypublished in New Cloth Market: May 2010