The challenge with UPF claims, especially for umbrellas and shades, is that there are differences in testing and grading based on how the textiles are used. Read more...
Understanding Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)
How to Assess the Reliability of an Umbrella's UPF Claim...
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How can I tell if the UPF claims made by umbrellas are real?
Understanding Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)
The term ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, references the protection offered by textiles. The testing is intended to provide consumers with information regarding the UVA and UVB blockage offered by textiles. Conceptually this is similar to SPF, or sun protection factor, offered by skincare products although SPF only references the UVB blockage offered by skincare products to give the consumer an understanding of the protection offered from a sunburn.
The challenge with UPF claims is that there are differences in testing and grading based on how the textiles are used. In the United States, the testing protocol used is referred to as the AATCC 183. Clothing UPF claims are generally made based on the lowest amount of UV protection offered by textile while taking into consideration routine use and wear and tear of the textile. These textiles are subjected to 40 laundering cycles to simulate usage after an expected 2 years of routine use.
There are two other testing protocols used in other countries referred to as the AS/NZS 4399:1996 in Australia and the EN13758 in Europe. This testing protocol tests textiles used for clothing, awnings and shade structures for UV blockage but only in the new and unused state. This testing protocol does not provide consumers with information on UV protection on items once they are used, washed, or subjected to environmental stresses such as weather changes. Although this testing is used by many brands, it is generally not preferred given the lack of information it provides for textile protection once they are actually in use. For example, a fabric may protect against UV when its brand new, but once it endures a rainstorm, the integrity of the textile may be compromised allowing more UV penetration.
Textiles used for shades, awnings, and umbrellas are not expected to be laundered so the testing is technically different. There is another testing protocol that in my research I have found is the preferred methodology for consumers to understand UV protection offered. This test is referred to as the UV Standard 801. This testing evaluated the lowest UV protection offered by textiles after wet, stretched, and artificially weathered.
Now, even though each testing protocol – AS/NZS 4399:1996, EN13758, AATCC 183, and UV Standard 801 – can offer a UPF rating, the question becomes which one offers reliable use data of the textile considered.
How to Assess the Reliability of an Umbrella's UPF Claim...
We tend to recommend UPF values as very good if between 25 to 39 and excellent as 40 and above, the question is whether this UPF is sustained in use. In other words, if your umbrella is a UPF of 50 unused, will it still be a UPF of 50 after it gets wet? The best data a consumer can use to assess this is looking at both the UPF data listed AND the testing protocol referenced. Look for a UPF of 40 and above as determined by the UV Standard 801 Protocol for excellent UV protection. If the company states they used the AS/NZS 4399:1996 or the EN13758 protocols, then you will know the UPF of the umbrella in its new state but once it is used it is difficult to state with certainty the protection offered by the umbrella.
Would the material not allow light to penetrate through?
Any material has the potential to block UV light to some extent. The question is how much light is blocked? Remember, UV is invisible and has the potential to damage the skin. Materials block visible light as well. Technically even materials that are transparent or clear could adequately block UV light if the filters in the material specifically block UV while still allowing visible light to pass through. A good example of this is glasses or eyewear. The dark tint does not necessarily block UV, it’s the UV filters present in the glasses that do so. The only way to know how much UV is blocked is to test the material with a UPF tester. These devices emit UV through the textile and determine how much UV penetrates through.
Are there only specific materials that can provide UPF protection?
There is so much marketing that references materials that are “naturally UV protective” such as bamboo or polyester. Interestingly, the research that my labs have published have shown that the materials used alone do not dictate the UPF of the textile. In fact, textiles we have tested with claims of bamboo and polyester as UV protective can often have a UPF as low as a 10 or 11. There are several factors to consider with UV protection offered by textiles. The materials or fibers used, the construction of the textiles that dictates porosity or how closely the fibers are brought together, the color of the textile, and any finishes or coatings added to the textile. Any material could have the potential to provide UPF with variations in any of these variables.
Are there any other telltale signs that one can see without testing the umbrella with a UV light meter?
There is no way to determine UV penetration through an umbrella without a UV tester. UV is invisible and not seen with the naked eye. Interestingly, research from my labs that will be submitted for publication later this summer has shown that the UPF for shades and coverings is also challenging since the UPF is only accurate for the area directly covered by the textile. Testing for hats in our labs for example showed that the UPF of 50 is true for the crown directly covered by the material however the UPF drops substantially in the shaded areas with a UPF as low as 2 to 10 by the jawline and ears.
Is the UPF claim regulated in any way?
UPF claims are regulated by the FTC and not the FDA. The testing protocol used is not necessarily regulated as a standard for the United States. The FTC from what I understand regulates to ensure a test has been performed by a 3rd party to support the UPF claim but does not apply a standard that specific test protocols be applied to umbrellas versus clothing.
The other thing to point out is that the claim “UV resistant” is often used by the shade, awning, and umbrella industry. This claim does not apply to UV protection offered by the fabric. UV resistant likely references the resistance of the fabric to weathering. The testing protocol used is usually ASTM G154.
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