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June 17, 2007Sun time vital in Canberra Exposure for two hours a week needed in winter
Danielle Cronin


CANBERRANS should expose themselves to the sun for two to three hours a week during winter to ward off vitamin D deficiency, according to specialists.
New guidelines out today will set out how much sun is required to boost vitamin D levels without increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Specialists from organisations such as Cancer Council Australia, Osteoporosis Australia and the Australasian College of Dermatologists teamed up to prepare the advice.
The issue has stemmed intense debate in the medical community and widespread public confusion.
Cancer council chief executive Professor Ian Olver said the confusion had created a worrying trend.
"We're alarmed that a small but significant number of Australians are deliberately seeking sun exposure without sun protection because they're concerned about vitamin D and are therefore more likely to be putting themselves at risk of skin cancer.
"The reality is too many Australians get too much sun in summer and increase their risk of cancer, while some people don't get enough sun, particularly in winter, and risk vitamin D deficiency with possible serious health consequences."
People with the condition can develop rickets a softening of the bones which can cause pain, tenderness, muscle weakness and weight loss. Overexposure to sun can cause skin cancer.
Each year, more than 1500 Australians die from skin cancer and more than 380,000 are treated for it.
In summer, most Australians receive an adequate dose of vitamin D after spending a few minutes in the sun.
"Sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency but there are times when it's actually important to leave your hat and sunscreen off," Professor Olver said.
In winter, most people living in southern states did not need sun protection during the day as UV levels were not high enough to cause significant skin damage.
ACT residents should expose their face, arms and hands or equivalent area of the body to the sun for two to three hours a week in June and July to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Osteoporosis Australia medical director Professor Peter Ebeling stressed that most Australians had sufficient levels of vitamin D. "However, those likely to be at risk of vitamin D deficiency include people with very dark skin, people who are housebound or in institutionalised care, women who wear concealing clothing for cultural purposes, and breast-fed babies of vitamin D deficient women," he said.

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