Determinación In Vitro del factor de protección Ultravioleta en las telas producidas en el Ecuador

Abstract

Objective: To determine the degree of UV protection offered by fabrics manufactured and marketed in Ecuador. Methodology: A descriptive and analytical study that includes using 2 methods: in vitro and in vivo, a sample of 72 fabrics, and 10 people in each method respectively. We used a spectrophotometer which simulates electromagnetic radiation with a range in nm and measures the transmittance through the fabric. Statistical analysis: The representation of the results was done through tables tabula- ted in Excel spreadsheets, classifying the study method (in vitro and in vivo), type of factory, and features (color, weight and composition). Complementing pie charts were used for better illustration and understan- ding. Results: The results were made in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) for seventy-two types of domestically produced fabrics, identifying them according to their degree of protection as excellent (40-50, 50+), very good (25-39), good (15-24), and low (less than 15). Several parameters were considered for this; the transmittance was measured through an instrument called a spectrophotometer and other standardized parameters. This method was partially compared with the in vivo method, fulfilled by volunteers with skin phototypes IV and V, which exist most frequently in our environ- ment, according to Fitz Patrick. The results obtained by the in vitro method indicate that the 43% of textiles that have good protection against UV radiation have the following characteristics: dark color, weigh more than 200g/m2, and are a composi- tion of cotton, polyester and wool. The 56% with low protection are light colored, weigh less than 150 grams, and have a composition similar to that of cotton and polyester.