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 Click here to see a
diagram of how Solarveil works
The following is a series of technical questions
and answers about Solarveil. This information is presented by the
management of Solarveil America, Inc., and based on laboratory testing
by Milliken & Co and independent laboratory testing. Milliken
& Co., who manufactures Solarveil, was granted the patent on
Solarveil in December 1998. If you have other questions or would
like additional information, please contact us at (800) 400-3377
and ask for Bill Snyder or Rob Ireland.
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1. If you can see through it (Solarveil)
how does it block the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays?
To understand the answer, it is necessary to understand the makeup of
sunlight. Sunlight is comprised of both harmless visible rays and
harmful invisible rays (UV rays). Visible light has a longer wavelength
(> 400 nm) than invisible UV rays (280nm to 400nm) and travels in a
straight line. Solarveil is designed to allow ample visible light
pass through the fabric, which, in turn, creates the see through quality.
Invisible ultraviolet rays consist of UVA, UVB and UVC
rays. UVC rays would be harmful but are unable to penetrate the
upper layers of the earth’s atmosphere and are, therefore, of no
concern. Enough UVA and UVB rays penetrate the earth’s atmosphere
to cause skin damage in varying degrees. UVA and UVB rays are scattered
by the earth’s atmosphere, which causes them to travel in random
directions.
UVB rays (the “burning rays”), which cause
the skin to become pink or red, have been linked to the formation of skin
cancer. UVA rays (the “tanning rays”) are longer and
able to penetrate the skin more deeply. UVA rays are more responsible
for aging and wrinkling of the skin and have also been linked to the formation
of skin cancer. Any coloration of the skin from exposure to the
sun is damage. Studies have been conducted that indicate that about
90% of sunlight’s melanoma-causing effect may come from UVA rays
and only 10% from UVB rays, according to Dr. Richard Setlow, a senior
biophysicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York.
Solarveil is manufactured using complex yarn structures
and a complex knitting procedure. This construction of Solarveil
causes the UVA and UVB rays to be reflected (bounced off) and refracted
(bent and scattered) preventing most of them from penetrating Solarveil.
Additionally, Solarveil is treated with proprietary UV inhibitors
that absorb UV rays, further preventing the rays from penetrating the
fabric. Typically, Solarveil is worn loosely draped as a cover
up and when worn properly, it effectively blocks almost all of the UVA
and UVB rays. The random movement of UV rays makes it easier for
Solarveil to prevent their penetration. In the high exposure areas, such
as the upper back, shoulders and upper chest, most Solarveil styles are
made with a double layer for added protection. UVB rays are most
intense between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, while the intensity
of UVA rays remains the same throughout all daylight hours. It
is therefore, very important to protect one’s self in early morning
and late in the day.
Another component of sunlight is infrared radiation,
which is the component that creates heat. Solarveil blocks a significant
percentage of infrared radiation, which helps with coolness. The
infrared radiation not blocked can easily dissipate rather than accumulate
between the skin and fabric due to the open knit construction of Solarveil.
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2. How much protection from UV rays does Solarveil
provide?
Standard laboratory tests for fabrics and apparel for
sun protection are based on the Australian Standard Test, which is static
and rigorous. Simply stated, the test consists of placing a piece of
fabric over a detection device such as a spectra-radiometer or spectra-photometer
and shining a UV light source directly through the fabric at a 90-degree
angle. The UV light source is set to simulate the sun’s intensity in
Albuquerque, New Mexico in July at noon. Under this test, a single layer
of Solarveil blocks an average of 75% of both UVA and UVB rays with a
high of 80%. A double layer blocks from 92% to 95%. Most of the Solarveil
styles are made with a double layer in the high exposure areas such as
the upper back, shoulders and chest for added protection.
In actual use, most people are exposed to the sun under
conditions less extreme than simulated in the test. Also, Solarveil is
typically worn loosely draped so the sun’s rays moving randomly are hitting
the fabric at acute angles. This allows the fabric to more effectively
reflect and refract UV rays providing significantly greater UV blocking
ability than is indicated in the test.
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3. What does SPF mean?
SPF is an abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor. This
was developed to rate the general effectiveness of sunscreen lotions and
their ability to block UVB rays when used strictly as prescribed under
their directions for use (SPF ratings historically have not applied to
UVA rays).
SPF rating numbers such as SPF 15, SPF 20 and SPF 30
are the more common ratings seen on sunscreen lotions. The SPF number
is determined by dividing 100 by the percentage of ultraviolet radiation
transmitted through the sunscreen.
For example, if a sunscreen blocks 95% of UVB rays, then 5% are transmitted,
so that particular sunscreen would have a rating of SPF 20 (100 ÷ 5 = 20).
A sunscreen that blocks 97% of UVB rays would have rating of SPF 30 + (100
÷ 3 = 33).
So the actual difference in effectiveness between an
SPF 30 and an SPF 20 sunscreen is 2% more blockage of UVB rays (97% vs.
95%).
It is difficult for chemical sunscreens to block the
longer, more deeply penetrating UVA rays unless they have special and
expensive additives. Even with the additives, studies have shown that
they are only about 80% effective in blocking UVA rays.
Another factor is that these chemical sunscreens must
be applied an hour or so in advance of sun exposure and approximately
one-half millimeter thick to be effective, according to most manufacturer’s
directions for use. Then they have to be re-applied every two or three
hours due to evaporation, washing off or wearing off. And, as everyone
knows who has used chemical sunscreens, they are greasy and messy. Another
significant factor is skin type and skin tone. Different types dramatically
affect the effectiveness of sunscreen chemicals. These chemicals are
also not recommended for use on toddlers and infants. |
4. What is the SPF rating of Solarveil?
The SPF rating system does not apply to fabrics and
apparel because of the variable effectiveness of sunscreen lotions due
to their evaporation rate and effectiveness under various conditions including
altitude, skin tones and types, absorption rates, application times and
amounts, re-applications and other variables. However, in the absence
of an accepted standard, one can generally correlate the SPF formula used
for chemical sunscreens is discussing the SPF rating of fabric and apparel.
It is accurate to say that our customers have experienced
Solarveil to be more effective than chemical sunscreens with SPF ratings
of 30 and higher. They have applied chemical sunscreens on the areas
not covered by Solarveil and have experienced burning and/or tanning on
the non-Solarveil covered areas and no coloration on the areas covered
with Solarveil , whether a single layer or double layer.
We know that a double layer of Solarveil blocks as much
as 95% of both UVA and UVB rays in a rigorous laboratory test. Therefore,
it is accurate to say that an SPF performance rating for Solarveil is
at least 20, although its effectiveness in actual use is generally better
than chemical sunscreens with an SPF rating of 30 and higher.
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5. What are the advantages of Solarveil
over most chemical sunscreens?
Solarveil generally works more effectively than sunscreen
lotions, is not messy or greasy and does not wash off, wear off or rub
off. Solarveil is effective for adults, children, toddlers and infants.
Most sunscreen chemicals have a shelf life and most of the manufacturers
recommend throwing out sunscreen lotions that are left over from last
year. Solarveil has no shelf life. It will keep its effectiveness for
the life of the garment. Obviously, there are no pre-application requirements
for Solarveil. Just wear it whenever going outdoors for hours of worry
free fun. Solarveil can be worn in the water while maintaining its sun
protection properties. It dries in just minutes. Solarveil can be used
over and over without losing its effectiveness. If one exerts ones self
and perspires while wearing Solarveil, they will discover another amazing
quality about it. Due to the application of Milliken’s patented VISA
moisture transport/soil release system to every yard of Solarveil, the
fabric will wick away the moisture from the skin. This, in combination
with the open knit construction that allows air to easily pass through
the fabric thereby rapidly evaporating the moisture, creates an air conditioning
effect. The wearer is thereby cooler and more comfortable. In general,
Solarveil is effective for almost all skin types. This unique combination
of features is why SOLARVEIL is truly revolutionary and why a patent
was granted. Solarveil is the “permanent” sunscreen.
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6. I am extremely sensitive to the sun.
Will Solarveil work for me?
Solarveil is not a medical device, however it will protect
people with almost all skin types, even those with extreme sensitivity
to the sun. We suggest you spend a short time in the sun while wearing
Solarveil at first and increase your time in the sun gradually to determine
your tolerance level.
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7. I’ve seen other sun protective apparel
products on the market. How is Solarveil different from them?
Solarveil is active-wear apparel for cool comfort and
sun protection. The other sun protection apparel lines on the market
are typically made of a tightly woven or knit fabric and treated with
UV inhibitors, or they are made from micro-fibers that are tightly woven.
In either case, they do not have the open knit design so they do not have
the total breathability that Solarveil does. Feedback from those who
have tried those other products have said the same thing, "They are just
too hot to wear". We do not market Solarveil as a medical device. Solarveil
is a cool comfortable way to effectively protect one from the sun's harmful
UVA and UVB rays.
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8. The cotton golf shirt I now wear seems
to protect me from sunburn. Why do I need Solarveil?
Practically any regular apparel will provide some protection
from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Although cotton fabric
typically used in a regular polo shirt or T-shirt blocks most of the "burning"
UVB rays, more of the longer, more deeply penetrating UVA rays will pass
through. UVA rays can "brown" the skin, will age and wrinkle the skin
and have been linked to the formation of skin cancer. Solarveil blocks
almost all of both UVB and UVA rays.
Another consideration is that a regular polo shirt or
T-shirt is tightly knit and does not have the total breathability feature
of the open knit Solarveil fabric. With Solarveil, perspiration rapidly
evaporates, which is a cooling, comfort feature. Regular cotton will
retain the moisture longer, cause the moisture to evaporate more slowly
and be hotter to wear in almost every case.
Wearing Solarveil on a hot day, one can feel the air
as it easily passes through the fabric to create an air conditioning effect
helping to keep one dryer, cooler and more comfortable. This phenomenon
is simply non-existent with other apparel.
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9. I have seen and heard weathermen talk
about a UV Index (UVI). What is the UVI and how does Solarveil perform
using a UVI meter?
The Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is a scientific measurement
of the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. Simply put, it measures how
much ultraviolet radiation penetrates the earth’s atmosphere at Solar
Noon (12:00 PM EST). The index is expressed in whole numbers. The higher
the number, the more intense the UV radiation is. The numbers indicate
how much exposure an individual can have before skin damage occurs. The
table below illustrates this.
| Exposure level |
Minimal |
Low |
Moderate |
High |
Very High |
| UVI Index |
0-1-2 |
3-4 |
5-6 |
7-8-9 |
10+ |
Minutes
to
Skin Damage |
>60 |
45 |
30 |
15 |
<10
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In a test conducted in Central Florida in August,
a reliable UVI meter was used to put Solarveil to the test. At
Solar Noon, the UVI reading on the meter was 10. A single layer
of Solarveil was placed over the detection window and the reading
dropped to two (2). When a double layer of Solarveil was placed
over the window, the reading dropped to zero (0). From this test,
it is reasonable to conclude that Solarveil blocks almost all of
the UV rays.
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10. Is there any difference in UV protection
with Solarveil’s lighter colors versus the darker colors?
The ability to prevent the transmittance of UV
rays varies little among the different Solarveil colors.
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11. Are the darker Solarveil colors hotter
to wear than the lighter colors?
Because of the unique open knit construction of Solarveil,
air easily passes through the fabric allowing for the rapid dissipation
of heat. Therefore, there is no discernable difference in coolness between
the Solarveil lighter colors and darker colors, unlike other tightly knitted
or woven fabrics. Darker colors absorb more heat than lighter colors,
but, because the other fabrics are tightly knit or woven, the heat cannot
easily escape and are, therefore, hotter to wear. They also do not allow
the body’s heat to easily escape for the same reason and this makes those
other fabrics hotter to wear.
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