Fotoprotección

Textiles Functionalized with ZnO Nanoparticles Obtained by Chemical and Green Synthesis Protocols: Evaluation of the Type of Textile and Resistance to UV Radiation

The study evaluates five types of commercial textiles with different cotton and polyester contents widely used in the garment industry. These textile samples have been subjected to treatment by the exhaustion method using zinc oxide nanoparticles (NP ZnO) (textile functionalization) with the aim of improving their efficiency in blocking UV radiation. The ZnO nanoparticles have been obtained by two methods: The green or also called biosynthesis (using the extract of Coriandrum sativum as an organic reducing agent), and the chemical method (using NaOH as an inorganic reducing agent). The results related to the green method show having achieved a defined geometric configuration with an average size of 97.77 nm (SD: 9.53). On the contrary, the nanostructures obtained by the chemical method show pentagonal configurations with average sizes of 113 nm (SD: 6.72). The textiles functionalized with NP ZnO obtained by biosynthesis showed a better efficiency in blocking ultraviolet radiation (UV).

[Update on photoprotection in children]

Children are one of the population groups in which the photo-protection must be maximised. Firstly, because they take part in outdoor activities more often than adults. Secondly, because the principal risk factor for all types of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation, and in particular, cumulative exposure during childhood. Hence, decreasing exposure to ultraviolet radiation in childhood has the potential to significantly lower the incidence of most forms of skin cancer. Photoprotection includes behavioural measures to protect the skin from sun exposure, e.g. sun protective clothes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreens. It is necessary to provide information on aphotoprotection to parents, and, above all, to children, using educational campaigns to increase knowledge of photoprotection to help change attitudes towards sun exposure. Dermatologists and Paediatricians play a essential role in this educational work. In this article we review the latest information regarding paediatric sun protection, the new sunscreens, and the recent sun protection educational programs.