Palram PALSU - Manual (Page 11)

PALSUN® Technical Guide
11
Protection from the Harmful Effects of UV Radiation
Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is widely known as a major health concern by now. The adverse affects were once thought
to be associated with solar UV radiation in the 280-315nm (UV-B) range. However, in recent years it has become apparent that exposure
to UV-A (315-400nm) is also detrimental. In addition to skin cancer, premature aging has been associated with exposure to UV-A.
Both UV-A and UV-B portions of the UV spectrum are blocked out by PALSUN sheets. This screening of harmful UV radiation can be
observed in the figure below.
A comparison of the UV protection offered by PALSUN and that offered by sunscreen is indicated in the graph on the right. Note
that no barrier is as effective as PALSUN sheet. Activity below PALSUN will be more protected than that offered by proper application
of sunscreen, though the latter is sufficient in almost all cases. The key word in the previous sentence is proper. Improperly applied
sunscreen or forgetting to apply skin screen will result in undesirable levels of exposure. In addition, note that protection factors
are computed on the basis of UV-B exposure. There is as yet no way to compute protection to UV-A exposure. It should also be
noted that formulations that only block out UV-B are still being marketed. When playing or swimming below PALSUN, protection is
always complete. When swimming, there is no danger that the protection will be washed away. In the last ten years, it has also been
documented that UV exposure can also cause damage to the eyes, specifically to the cornea. Wearing sunglasses manufactured from
polycarbonate protects the eyes. However, most people remove their glasses when entering the pool. This is a factor for both public
and private pools to consider when contemplating a choice of covering.
Irradiance of UV Radiation Trough Various Protective Barriers
(PF=Protective Factor)
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
300 310 320 330 340 350 360 370 380 390 400
Wavelength (nm)
Direct Sunlight
(PF-0)
Window Glass
(PF-10)
Sun Tan Lotion SPF 15
(5g/m2 PF-37)
PALSUN®
(PF-81)
Ir
radianc
e (
W/m2/min)
Acoustic Properties
Though only about half the weight of an equivalent glass panel, PALSUN glazing offers similar sound insulation properties along with
much higher impact strength. These combined properties make PALSUN glazing the preferred material for see-through sound barriers:
lightweight, easy to maintain or replace if necessary, highly transparent and vandal-proof.
The table on the right portrays the acoustic performance of PALSUN glazing versus glass.
Acoustic Insulation of PALSUN® Sheets According to EN 1793
Thickness
mm
Sound Reduction
dB
12 31
15 33