 Sun worshippers are being warned to be careful about what they wear |
Almost half of clothes tested failed to give adequate protection from the sun, a consumer watchdog survey revealed. Trading standards chiefs in Poole, Dorset, say that 34 of 72 items tested in the South West had an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) below 40.
To comply with European standards for sun protection, fabrics must have an UPF of 40 - equivalent to sun cream with a sun protection factor of 40.
Of those tested, 19 items were below UPF 15 and six were below UPF 10.
 |  Simply covering up may not always block out the sun's harmful rays and prevent sunburn  |
Although not covered by the standard, five beach shelters were also tested - with three offering protection less than a factor 20 sun cream. People are being warned to be aware of the findings when going out into the sun.
Council environment boss councillor Don Collier 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 survey was welcomed by Lynn Maxwell, community cancer nursing boss for Poole Primary Care Trust.
She said: "The 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."
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