Sunbed Bill To Illuminate Risks

Young people in NI are to enjoy better protection against possible side effects of using artificial tanning on sunbeds.

The first stage of a Bill aimed at preventing the use of sunbeds by young people under 18-years-old was passed at the Assembly today.

Introducing the Sunbeds Bill, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said the purpose was to reduce skin cancer cases and deaths by regulating the sunbed industry and ensuring everyone is aware of the risks.

Research shows that using sunbeds before the age of 30 can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by up to 75% and the mortality from melanoma due to sunbed use alone is estimated to be about 100 deaths per year in the UK.

"Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for 28% of all individuals diagnosed with cancer.

"While the rise in skin cancer rate is not entirely due to the use of sunbeds, there is now substantial evidence of the increased risks," he explained.

"People who use sunbeds not only increase the risk of contracting skin cancer but also face further problems such as premature ageing.

"As well as ensuring that the sunbed industry is properly regulated, this bill aims to reduce the use of sunbeds overall, and in particular, stop young people from using them in the first place. It will also ensure that more people are aware of the potential risks to their health from using sunbeds."

A formal consultation was carried out from 19 November 2009 to 19 February 2010 to seek views on whether and by what means the sunbed industry should be regulated in Northern Ireland.

A total of 46 consultation responses were received. In general, the responses supported the regulation of the industry.

(BMcC/GK)