German Cancer Aid considers free sunscreen on beaches to be only "limitedly useful" / Foundation warns of skin cancer risk from UV rays: Must educate people about proper behavior in the sun

Osnabrück (ots) - The German Cancer Aid Foundation considers free sunscreen dispensers on beaches – as in the Netherlands – "only of limited use." "Unfortunately, we repeatedly observe that sunscreen lulls people into a false sense of security," said CEO Franz Kohlhuber to the "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung" (NOZ). "Many people use too low a sun protection factor (SPF), apply too little, and don't reapply enough." It is more important to educate people about proper sun protection behavior. In addition to using sunscreen with a high SPF, Kohlhuber advised avoiding the midday sun, seeking shade, and wearing sunglasses. At the same time, he called on municipalities and communities to present heat protection plans. Such plans "can, for example, ensure sufficient shady areas and inform people about the UV index with warning signs," Kohlhuber said. This would allow people to immediately recognize "how dangerous the sun is for the skin on any given day and how to behave and protect themselves accordingly." For the Professional Association of German Dermatologists, however, free sunscreen on beaches is "absolutely sensible," as board member Uwe Schwichtenberg told the "NOZ" newspaper. The Dermatologists' Association also called for more education about the dangers of UV radiation. "The risk of developing skin cancer exists not only on beach vacations, but also during everyday activities such as gardening or outdoor sports," Schwichtenberg warned. Press contact: Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung Editorial Office Telephone: +49(0)541/310 207 Original content from: Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, transmitted by news aktuell Original report: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/58964/6067682