The Skin Cancer Foundation Gives Seal of Recommendation
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 9, 2009)–-In August 2008, the Boy Scouts of America introduced a new Boy Scout uniform to commemorate its upcoming 100th Anniversary. The material for new uniform broke new ground for the group—it had an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 40+. In response to the innovation and concern for the millions of youth and adults who spend hundreds of hours doing outdoor activities, the uniform has been awarded The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
To earn The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, a product must be proven to aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin and must earn a UPF rating of 30+ or above. BSA’s Centennial uniform has earned this distinguished seal, receiving an excellent UPF rating of 40+.
The BSA’s sun-protective, uniform-approved apparel includes the Centennial Uniform Shirt and pants offered in 18 styles for youth, as well as adult men’s and women’s sizes. Some pant styles have convertible, zip-off components that are very popular with youth. Many people don’t give much thought to the amount of sun that their heads and scalps are exposed to on a daily basis. Consequently, three kinds of hats are available, each offering a UPF rating of 50+. As technology and textiles changes, the BSA will continue to add apparel pieces, all offering top UPF ratings, to its product line.
“For nearly 100 years, Scouting has given youth and adults a wide range of outdoor activities and safety education unlike any other youth-serving organization,” said Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “Preparing Scouts for severe weather conditions is of highest priority—winter or summer, the right gear is critical. We will make sure that top-rated, sun-protective clothing is always available.”
About the BSA
Serving nearly 4.1 million young people between the ages of 7 and 20 with more than 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories, the Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.scouting.org.
For details on the BSA’s Skin Cancer Foundation–approved line of sun-protective garments, visit www.scoutstuff.org. For more on sun safety and avoiding skin cancer risks, visit www.skincancer.org.
About The Skin Cancer Foundation
Now celebrating its 30th year, The Skin Cancer Foundation is committed to educating the public and medical professionals about sun safety. As leaders in the fight against skin cancer, the Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of the world’s most common cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. To learn more about the Foundation and its programs, visit www.skincancer.org.