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AAP News Vol. 14 No. 7 July 1998, p. 2 © 1998 American Academy of Pediatrics
While most families use some form of sun protection at the beach, there is room for improvement, with better sunscreen application, more effective use of clothing and seeking shade, Chicago researchers found. Observers recorded the sun protection activities and interviewed 352 families in summer 1996 at a Lake Michigan beach in Chicago. They found nearly 90 percent used sunscreen. However, only 2 percent applied sunscreen before arriving at the beach, and 51 minutes was the average delay in sunscreen application from arrival at the beach until the last family member applied it. Since it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for sunscreen to be effective, delays in application may lead to sunburn.
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