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News

Sun Protection - A T-Shirt May Not Be Enough

Covering up may not be enough to prevent sunburn and damaging UV rays contributing to skin cancer, warns the Borough of Poole’s Consumer Protection Service.

The warning follows a survey by Trading Standards staff across the South West of clothing and other items that the public might rely on to protect themselves from the sun. The survey was carried out as skin cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK causing 250 deaths every year in the South West alone.

Of 72 items tested, nearly half would not comply with the European Standard for UV protection offered by fabrics, EN 13758. Items tested included T-shirts, blouses, polo shirts, sarongs and sun hats. The results of the tests showed that 34 of these items had an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) below 40. Of these, 19 were below UPF 15, including six below ten. Although the standard only applies to clothing, five beach shelters were also tested. Worryingly, three offered protection of less than a factor 20 sun cream. To claim compliance with the standard introduced last year; clothing must have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of at least 40 equivalent to a sun cream with a Skin Protection Factor (SPF) of 40.

Councillor Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: "While most of the garments tested did not claim any level of protection against the sun’s rays, we think people need to be aware that simply ‘covering up’ may not always block out the sun’s harmful rays and prevent sunburn."

The work was welcomed by Lynn Maxwell, Community Cancer Nurse Lead for Poole Primary Care Trust, who stressed the importance of following the SUNSMART advice issued by the Department of Health and Cancer Research UK.

The SUNSMART code is:

Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.

Make sure you never burn.

Always cover up.

Remember to take extra care of children.

Then use Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15+ sunscreen.

Lynn said: "The Trading Standards Survey highlights the importance of using a variety of measures to protect yourself and your children from the damage the sun can cause and therefore reduce the risks of skin cancer."

Andrew Crossen-White, Principal Officer, Consumer Protection Service, Borough of Poole Tel No: 01202 261732