20 Jan 2010, 1103 hrs IST

Cancer Society has advised motorists to wear gloves in order to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer during summertime.

Experts challenged the myth that glass protects against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause malignant melanoma and other skin cancers.

According to them, plain, clear vehicle glass blocks only 37 per cent of UV-A radiation and long or frequent trips while being exposed to sun through side windows pose a huge risk.

The society says covering up with protective clothing may help.

"The International Agency for Research on Cancer says sunscreen should never be the first line of defence unless it's exposed skin that can't otherwise be covered," The NZ Herald quoted adviser on skin cancer control, Judith Galtry as saying.

People who spent long periods in a vehicle should wear long sleeves and sunglasses and apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.

And as an alternative to putting sunscreen on their hands, "they may wish to use driving gloves.

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