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01/05/2012
New Law Bans Under 18s From Using Sunbeds
Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced new legislation which bans people under the age of 18 from using, hiring or buying sunbeds in Northern Ireland.
From today, 1 May 2012, any business found to be permitting under 18s to use, buy or hire sunbeds may be prosecuted. District Councils will be responsible for enforcing the new legislation.
Speaking about the legislation, the Health Minister said: "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.
"Younger people, under the ages of 18 are particularly at risk as younger skin is more delicate and prone to damage than older skin. Sunbed users under the age of 35 have a 75% higher risk of developing malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
"This legislation is a significant step towards protecting young people from the harmful UV rays generated by sunbeds. There is a misconception among young people that tanned skin looks healthier, but using sunbeds to achieve this can give you wrinkles and brown spots resulting in premature ageing, and increasing the risk of developing skin cancer."
The legislation will also ensure those over 18 who wish to use sunbeds will be provided with information on the health risks. Sunbed premises will be required to display a notice warning of the risks of sunbed use. Further measures will seek to ensure that appropriate protective eyewear is provided and worn. All premises offering sunbeds sessions must be supervised.
(CD/GK)
From today, 1 May 2012, any business found to be permitting under 18s to use, buy or hire sunbeds may be prosecuted. District Councils will be responsible for enforcing the new legislation.
Speaking about the legislation, the Health Minister said: "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.
"Younger people, under the ages of 18 are particularly at risk as younger skin is more delicate and prone to damage than older skin. Sunbed users under the age of 35 have a 75% higher risk of developing malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
"This legislation is a significant step towards protecting young people from the harmful UV rays generated by sunbeds. There is a misconception among young people that tanned skin looks healthier, but using sunbeds to achieve this can give you wrinkles and brown spots resulting in premature ageing, and increasing the risk of developing skin cancer."
The legislation will also ensure those over 18 who wish to use sunbeds will be provided with information on the health risks. Sunbed premises will be required to display a notice warning of the risks of sunbed use. Further measures will seek to ensure that appropriate protective eyewear is provided and worn. All premises offering sunbeds sessions must be supervised.
(CD/GK)
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Sunbed Ban For Minors Supported
Support is flowing in for a proposal to ban the use of sunbeds for minors and also for ending unstaffed tanning facilities. The NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has launched a consultation on new regulations to help prevent skin cancer.
Sunbed Ban For Minors Supported
Support is flowing in for a proposal to ban the use of sunbeds for minors and also for ending unstaffed tanning facilities. The NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has launched a consultation on new regulations to help prevent skin cancer.
13 May 2010
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.
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.
02 May 2023
PHA And Cancer Focus Back 'UV Awareness' Campaign
Marking Sun Awareness Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging everyone to be UV aware and to follow their top tips on getting the best from your sunscreen and reducing your risk of skin cancer.
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29 April 2014
Business Fined For Under-18 Sunbed Session
A Belfast business that allowed a person under 18 to use a sunbed has been issued with a £250 fixed penalty by Belfast City Council. The penalty followed a Council test purchasing exercise at seven premises with sunbed facilities on Friday 25 April.
Business Fined For Under-18 Sunbed Session
A Belfast business that allowed a person under 18 to use a sunbed has been issued with a £250 fixed penalty by Belfast City Council. The penalty followed a Council test purchasing exercise at seven premises with sunbed facilities on Friday 25 April.
20 May 2009
Skin Cancer Still Rising, Conference Told
The incidence of skin cancer is continuing to rise among both men and women and it is estimated that the likely cost to the NHS in the UK is around £100m per annum. That was the message that leading health experts heard as they gathered in Lisburn today for a conference on skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Still Rising, Conference Told
The incidence of skin cancer is continuing to rise among both men and women and it is estimated that the likely cost to the NHS in the UK is around £100m per annum. That was the message that leading health experts heard as they gathered in Lisburn today for a conference on skin cancer.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
