Combating Health Risks of Excessive UV Exposure through Changes in Clothing Behavioral Practices

Sun is essential for supporting life on earth and is critical for human physical and psychological well-being. The solar radiation that reaches the earth's consists of Infrared, Visible light and Ultraviolet radiation. Too less human exposure to solar UV radiations causes skeletal diseases whereas prolonged human exposure to solar UV radiation may result in acute and chrome health effects on the skin, eye and immune system and thereby enhance the risk of infectious diseases and limit the efficacy of vaccinations. Both of these act against the health of poor and vulnerable groups, especially children. Even though the incidence of skin cancer is lower in dark-skinned people however they are susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation, especially to the effects on the eye and immune system. It is believed that the right clothing gives better protection and allow for a more comprehensive approach to UV protection. Thus, recently attempts for establishing adequate UV protection through recommendation on change in clothing behaviour and personal protection, environment, and legislation has been made. Public education and awareness in UV protection is crucial for advancing people's knowledge about the health risks of excessive exposure to UV radiations in order to achieve change in their attitude and behavior. In developed countries, public awareness about the harmful effects of excessive exposure to the sun has grown considerably in recent years. But in Asian countries like India no such effort has been made so far and public have limited awareness amongst UV protection. Thus, an attempt has been made to bring a change in clothing related attitude and behavior of consumers through present study. An awareness package was developed and dissemination of awareness among consumers about UV protection through textiles and clothing was done, questionnaire was administered to measure the pre and post knowledge level of the respondents regarding UV protection provided through textiles and clothing. The results indicate very limited awareness about UV protection through textiles and clothing and a significantly higher knowledge gain after awareness campaign and distribution of awareness package indicating the significant effectiveness of developed package.