SLIP SLOP SLAP

Slip Slop Slap was a successful advertising campaign in Australia that brought to the attention of the Australian public, the dangers of increased exposure to the sun without adequate sunscreen protection.

With our current changing climate, Britons are now more at risk from skin cancer. Even more so for lifeguards, who spend numerous summer hours patrolling UK beaches.

Cancer Research UK says the number of people diagnosed with malignant melanoma rose by more than 650 in one year, taking the total to 10,410 in 2006 - the most recent figure available.

HOW THE SUN AFFECTS US

Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces colour and a false sense of protection from the sun.

UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and immune system damage. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.

UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.

International UV Index

Link to UV Index Forecast for Wales (Met Office)

Today's Wales UV Index

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Skin UV Hurts in Many Ways

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