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Tests Show Risk of Sunburn Through Clothes

With the May bank holiday weekend looming and warm sunny days just around the corner, recent research has shown that contrary to popular belief people are at risk from being sun burnt through their clothes.

Working as part of SWERCOTS , the trading standards partnership, research conducted by the Borough of Poole's Environmental & Consumer Protection Services Unit has found that clothing, sun shades and sun shelters which should provide protection from the sun, actually let rays through to people's skin. 

To claim sun protection clothing must have a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 40. Among the items tested the following fell short of the safe SPF 40 level:

• A child's sun hat with SPF 8 \n
• A sarong with SPF 4 \n
• A beach shelter which claimed a SPF of 40+ but on testing was found to have SPF 7 \n
• A parasol for a pram or pushchair with SPF 28

As a follow up to this work Trading Standards Officers will again be out checking goods in the run up to summer and are offering people the following advice when choosing clothes for sun protection:

• Close weave fabrics provide the best protection \n
• Wetting fabric reduces its SPF \n
• As fabric gets old it can lose its SPF \n
• When buying clothes for sun protection look for the logo 

Councillor Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment said:  "This research is part of our ongoing work with SWERCOTS to promote a fair and safe trading environment to protect the interests of consumers. As this research shows it is important that people are fully informed when buying items to protect them from the sun to ensure they can enjoy the summer months to the full".

Principal Officer for Environmental and Consumer Protection Services, Andrew Crossen-White said: "Skin cancer is on the rise and so having the right protection from the sun's rays is becoming more and more important.  It is of concern that clothing consumers believe will protect them from the sun's rays does not.  When choosing clothing look for tightly woven fabrics and don't forget your hat".

SWERCOTS message is be SMART
S - Stay in the shade between 11 and 3
M - Make sure you never burn
A - Always cover up
R - Remember to take extra care with children
T - Then use factor 15+ sunscreen

Katharine Teed, Communications 01202 633295