Students from 77 schools across Victoria are set to receive protection from UV radiation with new shade structures and sun protective items.
The Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos announced the schools which were to share in almost $1 million from the latest round of the School Shade Grants program.
“The program provides grants for shade development, including building new shade, repairing existing shade or creating natural shade by planting trees,” Ms Mikakos said.
“In addition, some small grants have been funded to provide sun protective items like hats and sunscreen for students,” she said.
“Shade used in combination with other sun protection measures provide the best protection from harmful UV radiation exposure when spending time outdoors.”
Ms Mikakos said childhood and adolescence were critical periods during which exposure to UV radiation was more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life.
“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer in Australia,” she said.
“In 2017, melanoma was the fourth-most common cancer in Victoria, with 2,993 invasive melanomas diagnosed and, tragically, 270 deaths.”
Ms Mikakos said proper shade could reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent when used in conjunction with other sun protection measures such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.
