Sun Awareness Week 15 – 21 May 2006

How can we enjoy the sun but stay safe?
Now that summer’s finally here and we’re all rushing out to spend time in the garden, Sun Awareness Week aims to make us all think harder about the effects of sitting out in the sun. So how can you stay protected but still enjoy being outdoors? A patio awning lets you and the family enjoy the weather whilst staying protected from the sun’s glare. You can enjoy a lazy afternoon or a long alfresco lunch without getting burnt, and if you’re entertaining, you don’t have to worry about running inside from summer showers. Appeal Patio Awnings (http://www.appealawnings.com) are also available with built-in night-lights and heaters to create a great, cosy atmosphere for evening relaxation.

Style and performance

When it comes to sunglasses, style is as important as UV protection, so why should it be any different with home improvements like an awning? Each Appeal Patio Awning is made of hardwearing, water-resistant fabric which is UV tested and rated, so you can choose the level of protection you need, and with a choice of over 200 designs you can create the perfect look for what will feel like a brand new outdoor room.

Be aware of your skin’s sensitivity – what’s your natural protection time?

Skin Type 1
Characteristics: Light skin, freckles, blond or red hair, blue or green eyes. Reaction of unprotected skin to 30 min radiation in June: will always burn and never tan.
Natural skin protection time: 5-10 minutes.
Under a 40 UV Standard 801 awning: 200-400 minutes.
Under a 60 UV Standard 801 awning: 300-600 minutes.
Under a 80 UV Standard 801 awning: 400-800 minutes.

Skin Type 2
Characteristics: Light skin, blond hair, blue or green eyes.
Reaction of unprotected skin to 30 min radiation in June: Always sunburn, slow tanning.
Natural skin protection time: 10-20 minutes.
Under a 40 UV Standard 801 awning: 400-800 minutes.
Under a 60 UV Standard 801 awning: 600-1200 minutes.
Under a 80 UV Standard 801 awning: 800-1600 minutes.

Skin Type 3
Characteristics: Dark hair, brown eyes.
Reaction of unprotected skin to 30 min radiation in June: Light sunburn, good tanning.
Natural skin protection time: 20-30 minutes.
Under a 40 UV Standard 801 awning: 800-1200 minutes.
Under a 60 UV Standard 801 awning: 1200-1800 minutes.
Under a 80 UV Standard 801 awning: 1600-2400 minutes.

Skin Type 4
Characteristics: Dark skin, dark or black hair, brown eyes.
Reaction of unprotected skin to 30 min radiation in June: No sunburn, always tanning.
Natural skin protection time: c. 45 minutes.
Under a 40 UV Standard 801 awning: c.1800 minutes.
Under a 60 UV Standard 801 awning: c.2700 minutes.
Under a 80 UV Standard 801 awning: c.3600 minutes.

Skin Type 5
Characteristics: Dark skin, black hair, brown eyes.
Reaction of unprotected skin to 30 min radiation in June: No sunburn.
Natural skin protection time: c.60 minutes.
Under a 40 UV Standard 801 awning: c.2400 minutes.
Under a 60 UV Standard 801 awning: c.3600 minutes.
Under a 80 UV Standard 801 awning: c.4800 minutes.

Skin Type 6
Characteristics: Black skin, black hair, brown eyes.
Reaction of unprotected skin to 30 min radiation in June: No sunburn.
Natural skin protection time: c.90 minutes.
Under a 40 UV Standard 801 awning: c.3600 minutes.
Under a 60 UV Standard 801 awning: c.5400 minutes.
Under a 80 UV Standard 801 awning: c.7200 minutes.

Source: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologisched Pravantion (ADP) e.V., Hamburg and Swiss Cancer League, Berne


Safe from sun damage

The potential damage caused by the sun is not confined to its effects on our skin – it can fade furnishings too. An Appeal Patio Awning not only keeps the patio and interior of the house cool, it also protects carpets and furniture from bleaching. Clever sensors automatically extend the awning when the sun comes out, and a wind sensor automatically retracts the awning in high wind conditions, so you never need to worry, even if you’re not at home.


FURTHER INFORMATION
Readers can request more information about Appeal Patio Awnings by calling Freephone 0800 018 4499, lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or visiting http://www.appealawnings.com

Ref: AG160506