title: Sun protection with hats.
abstract: The degree of sun protection provided by various styles of hat at different anatomical sites on the head was measured using model headforms and ultraviolet-sensitive film badges. It was found that hats with a small brim, such as the flat cap favoured by elderly male photosensitive patients, provided negligible protection at all sites apart from the vertex and forehead. Peaked baseball-style caps offer good protection to the nose but are relatively ineffective at other sites on the face. Hats with a wide (greater than 7.5 cm) brim are necessary in order to provide reasonable protection factors (greater than 3) around the nose and cheeks.
authors.affiliation: Regional Medical Physics Department, Dryburn Hospital, Durham, U.K.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Diffey
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cheeseman
mesh_terms: D005145:Face / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000528:radiation effects*; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays