Glenside, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/10/2015 -- The Solar Light Company is a Glenside, Pennsylvania-based organization providing atmospheric monitoring equipment, light measurement systems, photovoltaic research, ultraviolet light protection factor (UPF) testing and more for their client base. For 2015, they are reminding both new and returning clientele that they offer reliable UPF evaluations on fabrics and materials for all interested manufacturers and companies.
UPF testing typically tests the transmission of ultraviolet light through a fabric or material and measures the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation after passing through the material. Materials and fabrics undergoing the testing will receive a UPF rating from 1 to 50+.
A material with a rating of UPF 15 reduces the amount of solar UVR by a factor of 15. With ASTM D6603, it's necessary to provide a number representing the total UPF value followed by a designation that represents how effective it is. Researchers discern whether or not it has "good, very good or excellent UV protection".
"Good" represents a UPF of 15-24. "Very Good" indicates a UPF of 25-39. Excellent garments possess a UPF of 40 or greater. When the calculated value of UPF for the label is greater than 50, then the value to be placed on the label shall be given as 50+. (1)
Best practices do not allow for a UPF rating greater than 50+; UPF 50 garments screen 98% of UV light. Michael W. Allen, Ph.D and Gordon Bain, Ph. D. are leading solar researchers at Thermo-Fisher Scientific in Madison, WI. They explain that, "As transmittance of UV light drops below 2%, the calculated UPF increases dramatically with very small reductions in transmittance."
UPF rating - rounding down: The calculated UPF value (or lowest measured value) is rounded down to the nearest multiple of five to give the reported UPF rating. One effect of this is that materials actually need to achieve a calculated UPF value of 55 or higher in order to be classified as UPF 50+.
The Solar Light Company performs all of these tests to improve the health and safety of individuals using sun protection, whether it's through a sunscreen or a protective shirt. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause accelerated skin aging, sunburn and skin cancer.
High-risk groups such as those with sun sensitivity or fair skin, children and people that are regularly at high elevations or closer to the equator or reflective surfaces like snow and water can benefit from The Solar Light Company's work.
Any organization wishing to send materials, fabrics or equipment to The Solar Light Company for UPF and/or SPF testing need to complete a "Materials Testing Form" located on their website. After that, they issue a purchase order and provide their specific shipping instructions for their product. Then include the Materials Testing Form in the package along with the item needing testing and the quote on the price.
The Solar Light Company was founded in 1967 and has core competence in Physics, Optics, Engineering and Photovoltaic Sciences. They serve over 15,000 customers around the world. Some of their clientele includes the 3M Corporation, General Motors, Dow Chemical Company, NOAA Aeronomy Laboratory, the US Department of Agriculture, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., Gillette, Corning, Inc., The National Skin Centers and much more.
Those interested in The Solar Light Company's services should contact them as soon as possible. They can be reached by phone at 215-517-8700, or by e-mail at info@solarlight.com.
About Solar Light
Solar Light® Company, Inc. was founded in 1967 and has 47 years of experience in Engineering, Physics, and Optics with a company base of over 15,000 customers worldwide. They specialize in accelerated UV testing, material spectral transmission studies, and light source spectral measurement. Solar Light's corporate headquarters is located at 100 East Glenside Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038.
For more information, please visit their website at http://www.solarlight.com or contact Marketing Director Terry Harding at tharding@solarlight.com
(1) ASTM D6603-12, Standard Specification for Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles