With the school summer holidays upon us, people, especially parents, are being urged to ensure that products they buy for the summer months, such as sunscreen, have adequate standards.

According to the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), standards ‘ensure that products are safe and fit for purpose'.

"As people are making plans for this summer to attend parties, festivals and events, it is important to be aware of the standards of the products you are buying for yourself and your family to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.

"Be sure, for example, that the sunglasses you are wearing actually protect against UV rays. If you're buying a trampoline for the kids, be sure that it meets the appropriate safety standard. These apparently small things can make a profound difference to your health and safety and your summer," commented NSAI chief executive, Maurice Buckley.

The NSAI noted that when it comes to sunscreen, UVA protection is just as important as UVB. UV refers to ultraviolet, and UVA and UVB are the two harmful rays from the sun.

The SPF (sun protection factor) listed on a bottle of sunscreen refers to protection from UVB, but the product should also offer UVA protection.

"When first created, sunscreens were only designed to filter out UVB rays, as the dangers represented by UVA rays were then unknown. Today, sun protection products must span the entire UV spectrum. When buying sun cream, make sure you look out for the UVA symbol. A four or five UVA star rating is best for fair skin," the NSAI said.

The NSAI also recommends that people check the following:
-Always ensure sunglasses offer UV protection. Glasses without this may lead to eye damage. (This is based on the I.S. EN 1836 standard)
-Always ensure that children's swimming costumes and armbands display the CE mark, which shows that these products have achieved specific EU health and safety requirements
-Always ensure that trampolines carry the CE mark and come with a safety net and a protective pad for the springs. Bouncy castles should also meet the I.S. EN 14960 standard, which ensure they are safe and reliable. Bouncy castles should be securely anchored in a minimum of six places
-Summer is a time for music festivals and many people choose to camp at these events. Always check that tents and camping equipment have the CE mark and have achieved the I.S. EN 15619 and IS EN 13782 standards, as these state that the tent is reliable and flame retardant.

Mr Buckley noted that standards are necessary for every day life, but many people take them for granted.

"You expect, for example, that the seat belt you put on when you get in the car will keep you safe because it is made to a standard. The brakes will work because they are made to a standard. The toys your children play with are made to standards.

"Most of the products we encounter in any day, the services we use, will all be governed by standards. But what many people don't realise is that standards for many items are voluntary. Therefore, I would encourage people to pay particular attention to the products they buy, look out for standards logos and symbols and don't be afraid to ask questions," he said.

For more information on the NSAI, click here