Marley Eternit advises roofers on cancer risks

Marley Eternit warns roofers of the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

The company said it is important for roofers working under potentially harmful conditions to protect themselves from sun damage.

In particular, as the Met Office predicts above-average temperatures are set to continue throughout the summer.

With rainy spells not uncommon throughout the summer months, the UK's roofers often choose to work throughout the day to make up for the periods when they can't work, even when the sun is at its hottest.

This puts them at greater risk than most from the harmful effects of the sun, said Marley Eternit.

'If the air temperature is 18C, the temperature of a typical elevated roof surface exposed to direct sunlight, can easily reach 32C,' said Sarah Hanlon from Marley Eternit.

'With temperatures in some places reaching 10C higher than this already in May and the sunny spell set to continue this summer, it is likely that roof temperatures will hit an even higher temperature.

'It's not uncommon for roof temperatures to reach 60C,' she added.

Figures from Cancer Research UK show that for men, the trunk is the area of the body at most risk of suffering malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Around 38 per cent of reported cases in males are on the trunk of the body, with a further 22 per cent on the head and neck and 17 per cent on the arms.

With these areas of the body often left exposed in the summer sun, it is important that roofers take some simple steps to make sure they are protected.

Workers should keep their top on and opt for tightly woven fabrics that help to form a barrier to the sun's harmful rays.

They should not leave exposed skin unprotected and should use at least 30SPF sunscreen and reapply regularly.

They should also wear a hat at all times.

If the worker is not wearing a hard hat, then they should wear a hat or cap with a skip that will also cover the ears and the back of the neck.

Plenty of water should be drunk to avoid dehydration and regular breaks in the shade are advised.

Check the skin regularly for unusual spots and moles or changes to spots and moles.

Red marks on the skin may indicate that it has been damaged.

'Unfortunately, by the very nature of their work, roofers are at higher risk of skin cancer than many other professions, because of the amount of time spent outdoors in the sun,' said Rebecca Freeman of the British Association of Dermatologists.

'When it's hot, it's tempting to strip off to cool down.

'But without any fabric to protect the skin, you can easily burn, which greatly increases your chances of developing melanoma - the deadliest type of skin cancer.

'Sunscreen can help, but use a water resistant formula so it doesn't come off when you sweat, and make sure you reapply it at least every two hours,' she added.

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