EURO 2024: UV protection gains new fans

High demand for sunscreen in Munich

Thousands of fans took advantage of the sunscreen dispensers set up in the fan zones and at the stadiums during the European Football Championship, EURO 2024. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) had provided the 10 host cities with around 200 dispensers for free sunscreen as well as information on UV protection. The BfS is now looking back on the campaign aimed at increased protection against harmful UV radiation.

"UV protection is one of the clear winners of the European Championships", says BfS President Inge Paulini. "With the 'EURO 2024 UV-safe' campaign, the BfS helped raise awareness of the issue of UV protection in sport and at major events. The positive feedback we have received should encourage the organisers of athletic and other outdoor events to include a sun protection concept to their events."

More UV protection wanted at sporting events

The sunscreen dispensers were well received in all cities. Only halfway through the tournament, the dispensers in some fan zones had to be replenished. By the semi-final, it is estimated that around 250,000 people had taken advantage of the sunscreen dispensers provided by the BfS.

Dr Inge Paulini

"We know from surveys that although many people pay attention to sun protection when they are on holiday, they are not as attentive in their leisure time or at sporting events. The campaign provided information about UV protection and supported football fans in putting this knowledge into practice", says Paulini.

A survey conducted by the Forsa Institute on behalf of the BfS revealed that many visitors would like to see more UV protection measures at events. Sufficient shaded areas were mentioned particularly frequently. In preparation for EURO 2024 and in view of the commitment of the Federal Environment Ministry (BMUV) to a sustainable European Football Championship, the host cities had given special consideration to heat and UV protection measures. In addition to shaded areas, the BfS sunscreen dispensers were part of the planning.

Cities should be able to continue using dispensers after the European Championships

Sun protection even during sport

"Good UV protection never consists of sunscreen alone but rather a combination of the three most important UV protection measures: avoiding exposure, keeping covered, and applying sunscreen", says Paulini. The sunscreen dispensers are therefore designed in such a way that they also inform users about current UV exposure and sun protection measures. Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer.

After the end of the European Championships, most of the dispensers will be made available to the cities for subsequent use. For example, they will continue to be used in swimming pools, educational establishments, and sports clubs.