Sunbeds Banned For Under 18s

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has welcomed a recent announcement by the NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, that a new bill to stop under 18s using sunbeds has been passed by the Assembly.

The bill is expected to become law within 12 months and McGimpsey commented: "This is a significant achievement and the legislation will go a long way to curb the alarming numbers of teenagers that use sunbeds and provide those over 18 with information on the health risks of sunbed use.

"There is a perception that sun-tanned skin equates to health and beauty, and the use of sunbeds for tanning continues to increase in popularity. But it is important that people are aware of the risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is emitted by sunbeds.

"The bill will also ensure that all adults are given appropriate information warning them of the potential dangers to their long term health and ensure that sunbed premises are properly staffed."

The Ulster Cancer Foundation has welcomed the announcement, with Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, stating: "In our role as co-ordinators of the Northern Ireland Melanoma Strategy Implementation Group, UCF led the campaign for this new legislation. We are delighted that sunbeds will be banned for under 18s, accurate warning information will be provided and standards set for sunbed use."

In Northern Ireland, the incidence of skin cancer cases has been increasing over the past 25 years. It is the now the most common form of cancer accounting for 28% of all individuals diagnosed with cancer.

Sunbeds have been classified at the same carcinogenic level as tobacco, with the intensity of some UV rays from sunbeds being up to 10-15 times higher than that of the midday sun. Younger people are particularly at risk and sunbed users under the age of 35 have a 75% higher risk of developing malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.



Royal Assent for the bill is expected to be granted in April.

See: ulstercancer.org

(JG/GK)