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Sunscreen dispensers

The idea to hand out sunscreen originated last year, says hospital spokesperson Liset Spreuwenberg. "Our dermatologist Karen van Poppelen then came up with the idea of converting disinfection poles left over from the corona period into sunscreen dispensers."

This turned out to be a great success. Soon there was a demand from companies in the area if they could also get a sunburn pole. "We then loaned out a few, but we couldn't handle the demand," Spreuwenberg said.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. According to Spreuwenberg, proper sunbathing is one of the most important ways to prevent that disease. "We are not a sunburn company, but as a hospital we do have a responsibility to share the knowledge we have about this."

More than 100 sites

Sundo is a company that installs sun protection posts in the Netherlands and Belgium. Founder Ybe Heemskerk came up with the idea two years ago with a friend while sitting in the sun. "My father has had to deal with skin cancer a few times, so I think it's very important to prevent that disease," Heemskerk says.

He has noticed a huge increase in demand for sunscreen poles lately, and says Sundo's poles can be found in more than 100 locations in the Netherlands this summer. Customers include commercial parties as well as 20 municipalities.

"It costs money, a few thousand euros, but we think the health of our residents and visitors is very important," says Jacco Knape, alderman of the seaside resort of Katwijk. He is a promoter of free provision of sunscreen. "For our tourists we like it, but we see people enjoying the sun unprotected and in Katwijk that is above average and that is not good."

Bomb-packed summer

The company Smeerkees is also involved in the installation of sunscreen poles. Co-founder Wouter Spackler speaks of a jam-packed summer.

Smeerkees' sunburn posts can be found all over the country. "Every weekend we are completely full. Our poles are in the Westerpark in Amsterdam, but also at the Zwarte Cross." In addition to events, Smeerkees has 30 poles at fixed locations, such as sports clubs and municipalities.

Smeerkees prefers to be in places where people don't think about bringing sunscreen. "When you go to the beach, you're usually prepared, but a lot of people forget when they just go out for the day," Spackler says.

(source: NOS News)