Instructions / Assembly

PALSUN
®
17
Protection from the Harmful Eects of UV Radiation
Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is widely known as a major health concern by now. The adverse aects were once
thought to be associated with solar UV radiation in the 270-320nm (UV-B) range. However, in recent years it has become
apparent that exposure to UV-A (320-400nm) is also detrimental. In addition to skin cancer, premature aging has been
associated with exposure to UV-A. Both UV-A and UV-B portions of the UV spectrum are blocked out by PALSUN sheets. This
screening of harmful UV radiation can be observed in the gure below.
A comparison of the UV protection
oered by PALSUN and that oered
by sunscreen is depicted in the graph
on the right. Note that no barrier is
as eective as PALSUN sheet. Activity
below PALSUN will be more protected
than that oered by proper application
of sunscreen, though the latter is
sucient in almost all cases. The key
word in the previous sentence is
proper. Improperly applied sunscreen
or forgetting to apply skin screen will
result in undesirable levels of exposure.
In addition, note that protection factors
are computed on the basis of UV-B
exposure. There is as yet no way to
compute protection to UV-A exposure.
It should also be noted that formulations that only block out UV-B are still being marketed. When playing or swimming
below PALSUN, protection is always complete. When swimming, there is no danger that the protection will be washed
away. In the last ten years, it has also been documented that UV exposure can also cause damage to the eyes, specically to
the cornea. Wearing sunglasses manufactured from polycarbonate protects the eyes. However, most people remove their
glasses when entering the pool. This is a factor for both public and private pools to consider when contemplating a choice
of covering.
Irradiance of UV Radiation Trough Various Protective Barriers
(PF=Protective Factor)
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
300 310 320 330 340 350 360 370 380 390 400
Wavelength (nm)
Direct Sunlight
(PF-0)
Window Glass
(PF-10)
Sun Tan Lotion SPF 15
(5g/m
2
PF-37)
PALSUN®
(PF-81)
Irradiance (W/m/min)
14
PALSUN Solar Control sheets cover the La Guardia Interchange bus station in Tel-Aviv, Israel.
The cool-light sheets create a pleasant atmosphere for passengers.