Slip, slop, slap - but then add a wrap this summer

By SCOTT MacLEOD and NZPA

A huge ozone hole building over Antarctica means more New Zealanders than ever face sunburn dangers.

Scientists warned yesterday that the biggest ozone hole recorded over the continent could break up and drift to New Zealand soon.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said there was no need to worry at present, but the ballooning hole meant there was likely to be more risk from ultraviolet rays from Christmas onwards.

He said the old "slip, slop, slap" message had been extended to include a "wrap" - slip on a T-shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on some sunglasses, because cancerous sun rays could "get right into your brain through your eyes."

Cancer society spokeswoman Belinda McLean urged people to stay in shady areas as much as possible this summer.

American scientists said last week that the ozone hole had hit 28.3 million square km - 4 per cent more than the record set in 1998.