Bikini 'warns women when sun's rays are too strong'

A bikini has gone on sale which warns its wearer when potentially deadly UV rays are too strong for sunbathing.

The two-piece bathing suit is held together with decorative beads which change colour and become darker when UV levels rise. It works even on cloudy days when people may not be so aware of the sun's danger.

Every year around 8,000 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed in the UK, causing almost 1,800 deaths from skin cancer, according to Cancer Research UK.

The beads on the string tie-ups on the new bikini stay white or light purple if the UV rays are at unharmful levels but become dark purple if they have reached cancer-causing levels.



A tag on the bikini also explains the various UV levels and their safety range, advising the wearer the numbered factor sun cream they should put on at different stages.

UV levels 0-2 are rated low, 3-5 are moderate, 6-7 high, 8-10 very high and 11+ extreme.

The SmartSwim UV Intensity Bikini, costing around £50, has been made by Canadian company Solestrom. It is available in sizes from 0-18 and A-DD cups.

A Solestrom spokesman said: "We realised consumers were already becoming far more conscious of the harmful effects of spending too long in sunlight but the demand for this bikini has been even stronger than we expected."