Development of UV protective Scoodie

Introduction

Sunlight has played a critical role in the development of life on Earth. The infrared and visible regions of the solar radiation comprise 95% of the total radiation reaching the Earth's surface. The ultraviolet component of the terrestrial solar spectrum comprises approximately 5% of the radiant energy; however, this component is largely responsible for the deleterious effects of solar exposure. (Neale, 2023) [9] Ultraviolet radiation, like visible radiation (light) and infrared radiation, is radiant energy. Together, these forms of radiant energy are referred to as "optical radiation." In the optical spectrum, wavelengths are normally quantified in terms of nanometers (1 nm = 10 -9 m) in the UVR and visible spectrum and in terms of micrometers (1 µm = 10 -6 m) in the infrared spectrum. The ultraviolet spectral bands are: UVC (100-280 nm), UVB (280-315 nm), and UVA (315-400 nm). Though UVA rays can accelerate aging effects on the skin and UVB rays can cause sunburns, UVC is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and therefore does not penetrate. (Tang et al. 2024) [8] . Modern-day solutions to limit the damage caused by UVR include sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. "Sunburn" is an acute injury following excessive exposure to UVR and is most pronounced for lightly pigmented skin types. Sunburn is actually not caused by heat or caustic chemicals, but is the result of a phototoxic (actinic) effect in the skin. Skin redness reaches a maximum at about 8-12 hours after exposure and fades within a few days (Hietanen, 2023) [6] . The red appearance of the skin (erythema) results from an increased blood content near the skin's surface. Sunburn sensitivity varies substantially with skin complexion and color, and this is reflected in the solar exposure time required to induce a sunburn reaction from 15-30 minutes of midday summer sunshine to 1-2 hours exposure for moderately pigmented skin; and those with darkly pigmented skin may not clearly show sunburn for a full day exposure. Tanning becomes noticeable within a day or two after sun exposure, gradually increasing for several days and persisting for a week (ISO/CIE, 2019) [3] . While sunscreen remains a popular protectant against the www.extensionjournal.com sun and has been shown to reduce melanoma incidence by 50%, some studies have suggested that prolonged, routine sunscreen absorption through the skin barrier is associated with neurotoxicity, as well as detrimental endocrine and developmental effects (Karla and Jonathan, 2023) [5] . Few studies have thoroughly investigated sun-protective clothing as a photoprotective method. Sun-protective clothing is effective in reducing UVR transmittance to the skin, with its ability to block UVR graded on the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) scale. A UPF rating of 15, 30, and 50+ correspond to clothing that blocks 93.3%, 96.7%, and 98% of UVR transmittance, respectively. UV textiles have recently gained traction as another effective method for limiting UVR exposure (Jasmine and Erum, 2022) [4] . To achieve high UPF values, photoprotective clothing is specifically designed with effective textile composition and dyeing patterns in mind rather than using chemical additives. UV-protective clothing typically utilizes clothing dyes, especially dyes with brighter colors, as clothing with brighter colors have been reported to reflect UVR by The Skin Cancer Foundation (Jasmine and Erum, 2022) [4] . In the present study an effort is made to develop UV protective scoodie using naturally dyed cotton fabric to protect from the UV radiations. Different types of scoodie designs were developed to protect the face and neck area which comes frequently in direct contact with sun radiations and remain exposed for long duration.

Materials and

Development of scoodie designs:

Accurately weighed cotton samples were introduced into the mordanting bath containing 3% of mordant (Ferrous Sulphate-Myrobalan) on weight of fabric in water. The treatment was carried out for 1 hour at 60 °C. The samples were then removed from the bath, squeezed and dried without washing. The dyeing of pre-mordanted cotton fabric was done with natural dye. The cotton fabrics were dyed with the dye extract at M: L ratio of 1:30. Dyeing was carried out at 80 °C and continued for 1 hour.13 The highest UPF value (27.69) was found for ferrous sulphate-myrobalan treated curry dyed cotton fabric, indicating the fabric would provide very good protection. For the development of UV protective scoodie, the ferrous sulphate-myrobalan mordanted curry leaves dyed cotton fabric was used. Different designs for scoodie were developed using CorelDRAW software.Afterwards the paper pattern was developed using the measurements and key features of scoodie. The cutting of dyed cotton fabric was done as per the paper pattern developed. Then the stitching of the UV protective scoodie was done.

Assessment of consumers' acceptance for developed

UV protective Scoodie: The consumers' acceptance for developed scoodie was assessed based on the product designing techniques including fabric type and constructional features, colour, dye used and appearance. The opinion of consumers were also obtained regarding the developed scoodie in relation to suitability, ease of carry and trend etc. with the help of self-structured assessment index. The opinions of consumers were assessed in percentage.

Assessment of market potential of developed UV

protective Scoodie: The cost acceptability of developed UV protective scoodie was assessed for actual price of developed scoodie and consumer opinions were obtained about their cost acceptability in terms of highly appropriate, appropriate and somewhat appropriate. The data was calculated using percentages and weight mean score (WMS). To assess the market potential of developed products, quoted price of each product was calculated by adding 20% profit to the actual cost. The consumers were asked to give a preferred price for buying the particular product. The average selling price for each product was calculated to find the percent profit.

Results and Discussion

Assessment of consumers' awareness regarding effect of UV radiations on human health and UV protective scoodie:

The responses of consumers were recorded and the results are presented in Table 1.

Selection of scoodie designs:

Scoodie is carried as a fashion accessory with clothing. It is a combination of hood and scarf. This is often used by women and girls of different age groups. Total 16 scoodie designs were developed using CorelDraw software. Each design was developed using different constructional as well as aesthetic features. The three top ranked scoodie designs was selected for the development of scoodie using standardized ultra-violet protective finished cotton fabric. Preferential Choices for Scoodie Designs: Preferential choices of the respondents for scoodie designs to be developed. The data related to preferential choices of respondents for different scoodie designs are presented in Table 2. Science. The opinions of consumers were recorded for appropriateness of constructional features of UV protective Scoodie. Majority of features incorporated in different UV protective scoodie designs are found suitable by the respondents as it is clearly evident from the Table 3.

Conclusion

Adequate sun protection and limiting UVR transmittance are associated with several known health benefits, including the prevention of life-threatening skin cancer. While a popular sun-protective method involves applying sunscreen, large amounts of sunscreen absorbed dermally have been found to cause detrimental neurotoxic, endocrine, and developmental defects. Photoprotective methods such as dyeing and laundering additives and UV protective textiles have emerged, with effectiveness in blocking UV rays as rated on the UPF scale. In the present study, it was found that the scoodie developed from Ferrous Sulphate -Myrobalan treated curry leaves dyed fabric is appreciated the consumers. It has the potential to protect the wearer from harmful UV radiations. It can be used in those areas such as farming where wearer exposed to UV radiations for long durations.

References

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2. ASTM International. Standard specification for labeling of UV-protective textiles. West Conshohocken (PA): ASTM International; 2019. https://www.astm.org/d6603-19.html
3. ISO/CIE. Erythema reference action spectrum and standard erythema dose. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization; 2019. https://oshwiki.osha.europa.eu/en/themes/uv-radiationwork-and-health
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