Field measurements on protection by stockings from solar erythemal ultraviolet radiation

The ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection provided by stockings was measured by simulating as closely as possible the real life situation under field conditions in Queensland, Australia. Polysulphone dosemeters were employed for measuring the solar erythemal UV radiation to sites on the leg with a polysulphone dosemeter located both above and underneath the stockings to compare the protected and unprotected erythemal UV exposures. The solar ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was measured for different stocking thicknesses or denier and for different colours. Under the field conditions, the highest UPF of 4.6 was provided by the 50 denier stockings with the lowest of 1.4 to 1.8 for the 15 denier. For the 15 denier stockings, there was no significant difference between the lighter colours with only a small increase in UPF to 1.8 for the darker colour. People who require photoprotection to the legs should wear trousers or at least the 50 denier stockings. Considerations of comfort are not taken into account in this study.