Synthetic and Natural UV Protective Agents for Textile Finishing

Skin cancer is a rising incident worldwide due to excessive exposure to sunlight. Though the ultraviolet rays constitute a very small portion of the solar spectrum, the radiation can cause several effects like sunburn, premature skin aging, allergies, and skin cancer. Effective methods to block the ultraviolet rays from human skin are urgently sought as the intensity of ultraviolet rays are increasing every year. Several means give protection to human skin against ultraviolet radiation. This chapter will discuss the ultraviolet rays and the importance of protection from these rays. The methods of blocking the ultraviolet rays, the measurement system of ultraviolet protective factor (UPF), and the clothing factors affecting UPF will also be discussed. This chapter will also give insight into the available types of ultraviolet absorbers and commercial ultraviolet protective clothing. The nanoparticle coatings for ultraviolet protective finish and the durability of ultraviolet finishes will also be discussed briefly.