Cancer experts have expressed concern over Pete Evans’ latest remarks about sunscreen use

CELEBRITY chef Pete Evans is no stranger to controversy, but his latest public remarks about sunscreen use have outraged cancer experts.

Celebrity chef Pete Evans has sparked criticism for claiming people who use “normal” sunscreen are just covering themselves in “poisonous chemicals”.

CELEBRITY chef Pete Evans is known for dishing up his fair share of controversies, but his latest remarks on sunscreen have angered cancer research experts.

In a post on his official Facebook page, the My Kitchen Rules star was asked by a follower what he uses for sunscreen.

He admitted he uses “generally nothing”, claiming people who use “normal” sunscreen are just covering themselves in “poisonous chemicals”.

He wrote: “The silly thing is people put on normal chemical sunscreen then lay out in the sun for hours on end and think that they are safe because they have covered themselves in poisonous chemicals which is a recipe for disaster as we are witnessing these days.

“We need to respect the sun but not hide from it either as it is so beneficial for us, but use common sense.

“The goal is always never to burn yourself.”

The Cancer Council’s director of education Terry Slevin expressed concern over Evans’ remarks.

“The science is clear, increased ­exposure to UV radiation equals an increased risk of skin cancer and this is from people who have been researching this for decades,” Mr Slevin told news.com.au.

“Sunscreen use, including UV absorbers, which he refers to as chemical sunscreen, has been proven to reduce skin cancer risk.

“The question is who should people take their advice from on sun protection. Mr Evans is not someone I would call on for that advice. It’s yet another case of someone (in this case with a media profile) undermining the safety and efficacy of sunscreen.”

Likewise, The Public Health Association of Australia’s Michael Moore told News Corp the sunscreen advice was outrageous.

The Cancer Council has expressed concern over Pete Evans’ remarks, saying sunscreen has been proven to reduce skin cancer risk.

When pressed to clarify his remarks, Pete Evans told news.com.au people needed to be more sensible with their outdoor time.

“I promote the use of non toxic sunscreen if spending long times out in the sun, like I mentioned in my answer, as well as not staying out in the sun for long enough to burn,” he said.

“So many people are vitamin D deficient and being sensible with your time outside is paramount — respect the sun by not overdoing it.

“Use common sense and research what is actually in all of the sunscreens, as like any product available there are good ones and not so good ones. Choose wisely.”

Celebrity chef Pete Evans said people need to be more sensible when they’re outdoors.

Earlier this year, a groundbreaking study conducted in Australia concluded that regular sunscreen use can prevent the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, which kills more than 1400 Australians each year.

The study, conducted between 1992 and 1996, involved 1600 randomly-selected residents from Nambour in Queensland. Half the participants were to apply the sunscreen every single day, and the other half only as they would normally.

After 15 years, the number of people who developed melanomas from the group who applied sunscreen daily during the trial was half that of the group who didn’t apply sunscreen daily.