Sun safety is a vital part of public health in Australia, a nation where high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are a daily reality. Behind the scenes, NATA plays a crucial role in ensuring that the products, tools, and data Australians rely on to protect themselves from the sun meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Accredited laboratories assess a wide range of items and systems that support sun safety, from UV monitoring instruments to the performance of protective products such as sun-protective clothing and sunscreens. These evaluations ensure that laboratories have the technical expertise and robust procedures needed to deliver reliable results, giving Australians confidence that the information and products they rely on are accurate and effective.
But NATA’s work doesn’t stop at products. Accredited laboratories also verify the data that informs public behaviour, such as the UV Index. Accurate UV information is critical for everyday decisions, from wearing protective clothing to seeking shade during peak sun hours. Knowing the UV risk helps Australians protect themselves and their families, keeping sun safety at the forefront of daily routines.
Accreditation also supports a culture of safety and trust. By ensuring laboratories meet consistent standards, NATA fosters continuous improvement and encourages innovation in sun protection testing. This means Australians can rely not only on today’s products and data but also on future developments in sun safety solutions.
Through its work, NATA ensures that organisations such as ARPANSA provide accurate UV radiation information, underpinning public health campaigns and helping to reduce the risks of sun exposure. Accreditation is more than a technical process; it is a safeguard that ensures the science behind sun safety is sound, the products are effective, and the data Australians use to make decisions is trustworthy.
For anyone interested in learning more about how accredited testing protects Australians from the sun, watch the video below.