The Effects Of UV Rays On Motorcycle Gear and Our Health

[moshe_levy]

All-

I'm going to get a bit more scientific than usual in this new video, as we delve into the subject of Ultraviolet Radiation's effect on our riding gear and on our health. It's a subject that doesn't get nearly as much attention as it should! Tune in for objective Ultraviolet Protection Factor and Accelerated UV Aging tests on leading products from Aerostich, BMW, and Scorpion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrjyrZgQMOI

-MKL

[Arizona Wayne]

MKL, when I was on active duty in the US NAVY I had a dermitologist take 1 look at my highly freckeled skin when I was in my 20s (`66) and informed me I would be dead by the time I was in my mid 30's due to my thin skin.  Some how I've lived to be 74 so far by using common sense and live in Arizona. Hardly ever use SPF 25 sun screen.  Only for protection from the sun ricocheting off the sand to burn me from below situations.  Ever notice how most Arabs cover most of their bodies when out in the sun?

I've been riding MCs for 55 years.  When I got my 1st 1 in `62 I rode it quite a bit in soCal, 1 time with my arms exposed to the sun.  With the wind blowing on my arms I didn't feel the sunburn until I quit riding.  That was the 1st and last time I did that. 

[moshe_levy]

Good info. As usual, I'm only trying to provide info I've picked up along the way, not tell anyone how to dress or not to dress. We're all adults and we makes our own choices.

-MKL

[Chuck in Indiana]

Good stuff as usual, Moshe.. thanks!

[moshe_levy]

Thanks!

[John A]

On highly stressed composite helicopter main rotor blades from MBB it was forbidden to use any products containing silicone because it acted like a carrier for uv radiation to attack and degrade the structural integrity of the blade. Textile clothing manufacturers recommend silicone as a way to enhance water reppelant properties   

[moshe_levy]

Yup. Tradeoffs...

-MKL

[John A]

Yup, no free rides. Good video, I subscribed

[moshe_levy]

Thank you.

[Guzzi Gal]

Love the techie stuff!  Subscribed.   :1:

[kingoffleece]

The "kid" down the street died from melanoma at age 34 leaving a wife and two kids.

[RinkRat II]

 Thanks for the info MKL, Curious as to the ranking of 2mm+ leather. Any data?
     
       Paul B.

[moshe_levy]

Hi-

I did not test leather, but my educated guess re UPF is that it would max out at the highest score of 50. The real issue with leather would be the fading over time, which I imagine would vary greatly between brands and styles.

-MKL

[Pop]

Guess I should give up those clothing optional rides.
Pop

[Guzzi Gal]

Guess I should give up those clothing optional rides.
Pop

HA!

[shaka]

Guess I should give up those clothing optional rides.
Pop

Naked bikes for naked riders.

[yogidozer]

and let's not forget this!

[Sasquatch Jim]

 I used to get sunburned and peel.  Then I moved to Hawaii and wore light weight long sleeve shirts, etc so as to avoid the burn.  I always wore a hat cause I didn't like the skin on my head burning.  Then after about 7 months I began wearing cargo shorts and short sleeve T-shirts, kept wearing the hat though.
 Then as I tanned I went to tank top T-shirts and cargo shorts and hat.  I still didn't burn.  I have kept up wearing these tank tops and cargo shorts even back here in Ill inoise.  I will probably have to go to long pants and long sleeve
shirts in the winter though.  Yes, I still wear the hat.  If I don't do stupid like laying out all day to get a tan, I don't burn.  I think maybe Hawaii gave me some immunity to burning.  The locals down there don't burn even going shirtless all day every day.  I think it is an acquired immunity.

[Pop]

Hey Jim, no helmet? I live in Joisy, headgear required. But even when I go to the surrounding states, no helmet req., I wear mine. Seen too many cracked melons.
Pop

[Arizona Wayne]

I get a lot of health e-mails from different holistic Dr.s.  1 of them recently said all sun screens have ingredients in them that will give you cancer.     So according to him sun screens are not much help.  Clothing is the best answer.

[Sasquatch Jim]

  Where I lived in Hawaii, speed limits were not over 35 and the Leos were always out enforcing them.
 I would wear a helmet when I rode out of my area like going to Kona and such.
 Besides, most of the time I was riding my electric scooter which only went 8 1/2 MPH with its' tongue hanging out.

[Pop]

Somehow I just can't envision Susquach Jim on an electric scooter.

[charlie b]

OK, so my dad died from melanoma (we lived in Phoenix).  I've had so many basal cell removed from my body I lost count.  The first came off at 40 yrs old.  It is mostly hereditary. 

When I was in my 20's I got a bad sunburn and from then on wore long sleeve shirts, pants and broad brim hats.  Every now and then (once every couple of years) I will get caught in the sun without the proper clothing.

Right now I have other complications from all those skin cancers.  Not sure where it will lead.

So, yes, do protect yourself.  Sunscreen.  There is one specific component (---benzones) that can cause problems.  I am allergic to it, as in blistering skin reaction to it.  Turns out that sometimes the combination of sunlight and a chemical can cause reactions.

Old skin sucks.

PS don't forget your eyes.  I also have some sun damage to my retina.

[Arizona Wayne]

OK, so my dad died from melanoma (we lived in Phoenix).  I've had so many basal cell removed from my body I lost count.  The first came off at 40 yrs old.  It is mostly hereditary. 

When I was in my 20's I got a bad sunburn and from then on wore long sleeve shirts, pants and broad brim hats.  Every now and then (once every couple of years) I will get caught in the sun without the proper clothing.

Right now I have other complications from all those skin cancers.  Not sure where it will lead.

So, yes, do protect yourself.  Sunscreen.  There is one specific component (---benzones) that can cause problems.  I am allergic to it, as in blistering skin reaction to it.  Turns out that sometimes the combination of sunlight and a chemical can cause reactions.

Old skin sucks.

PS don't forget your eyes.  I also have some sun damage to my retina.

Dr.Cutler MD recently said on my e-mail that all OTC sun screens have ingredients in them that cause cancer.     Except the 1 he now sells that costs $35 a tube. Buyers beware. 

[charlie b]

No problem for me.  Because of skin issues I only use zinc.  No additives.

The various benzones are extremely good at helping protect from UV.  The problem is there is some evidence that the substance penetrates deep into the skin layers and causes disruption of the cellular structure.  This is a very disputed finding, partly due to the huge amount of money in the sunscreen industry.  Several lawsuits are still ongoing and many medical reports with various findings.

The other additives are viewed differently depending on who is doing the advertising and whose organization is getting money from counter-advertising.

I did find that products advertising being good for the skin frequently are not.

The good thing is, if you cover up then no need for extra sunscreen.  Again, this is mostly a hereditary problem.  Some people are just not very sensitive to sun exposure while others are very sensitive.