Guy Byars wrote:
So should open cockpit vintage gliders come with a
health warning then?

No, the gliders with canopies should have the following warning:

WARNING: Do not depend on this canopy for protection against the sun. Even
though you might not receive a sunburn through this canopy, you will still
be exposed to the sun's UVA wavelengths. The UVA wavelengths are a proven
carcinogen. While using this canopy you should still protect yourself with
opaque clothing and broad spectrum sunscreens.

Guy, I am afraid I have to disagree with the notion that sailplane
canopys lack protection from UV. I would like to quote from an artical
written by Friedel Weber (DG Owner) which appeared on the DG websight:
"We also asked Mecaplex about the transmission of UV light through the
canopy. The canopies do not totaly screen out UV but do absorb about
95% of it." Further, during one of my visits to the Aero in
Friedrichshafen several years ago I discussed this at the Mecaplex
stand. We were having some language difficulties at the time so they
offered to send me their catalogue describing their offerings. They
offer different materials. As I recollect, those that I looked at were
polycarbonates all of which absorbed 95% or greater.

What we realy need to be concerned about is all the standing around on
the ground without adequate protection.

Lorry