Sunglasses: publication of new EN 1836 standard

In September 2005, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published the new EN 1836:2005 standard which will replace the 1997 edition. The new 1836 will come into force March 31 and will be valid for five years, subject to any changes required by CEN.

The new standard was drawn up by the CEN/TC 85 Technical Committee on 'Eye protection devices', whose secretariat is coordinated by Afnor (the French Committee for Standardization). The Convener of the work group is UNI delegate and Coordinator of the Anfao Technical Commission for 'Sunglasses and eye protection devices'.

The EN 1836:2005 standard was drawn up in accordance with the CEN mandate requested by the European Commission and the Association of European Enterprises. It will be the official technical document applied by European Union countries to check that sunglasses conform to the health and safety requirements laid down in European Directive 89/686/EEC.

EN 1836:2005 differs from the 1997 standard as follows:
- specifications for the use of degrading filters on the road and while driving;
- transmission, category and requirement specifications of 'eclipse filters' for the direct observation of the sun;
- specifications for the sunlight reflection factor for sunglasses with filters declared as 'antireflection';
- specifications regarding metal sunglasses frames which come into direct and prolonged contact with wearer's skin.

The following measuring methods are included in the tests:
- method for measuring the reflection factor at the side of the eye for antireflection lenses;
- method of irradiation for testing photochromic lenses in the darkened state;
- method for determining the polarization level of a polarizing filter;
- method for determining the release of nickel from particular metals on prolonged contact with the skin.

As far as concerns the obligatory information leaflet and labeling, which must always be in the language of the country of destination within the European Union, the new standard differs from that of 1997 as follows:- the year of the previous standard is replaced by that of the new publication (2005);
- for eye protection devices for the direct observation of the sun, the information leaflet must carry the warning: 'looking directly into the sun is dangerous. The projection techniques are certain. Alternatively, it is important to wear adequate eye protection specifically designed for looking at the sun in such a way that the sun does not shine directly into the eyes';
- frames not designed for looking directly into the sun must carry the warning: 'Not suitable for looking directly into the sun'.

For the optional supplementary information provided by the manufacturer, which must always be in the language of the country of destination, the following specifications have been added (these were already given in attachment A1 of 2001 and A2 of 2003 of the previous standard, EN 1836:1997):
- for photochromic filters, the light transmission factor in the dark and light states, the value of the photochromic field as a measurement of photochromic performance and the level of polarization in per cent;- for polarizing filters, the polarizing level in per cent.

New additions concern the 'Optical radiation resistance' test: it is carried out by exposing the filter for 50 hours instead of the 25 in the previous version. This prolonged exposure of the radiation sample is minimized by using a Crown glass 'cut-on filter' which cuts out the strongest part of the UV rays. The sample is then exposed for a longer time to less strong UV radiation (UVA, and in part, UVB). Moreover, all standard references have been updated in the new standard.