Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
06 June 2023
New Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign Launches Across NI
Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are participating in a new campaign on the importance of getting the best from your sunscreen and reducing your risk of skin cancer. As part of the Living Well service, 'Care in the sun' is running in community pharmacies throughout June and July.
New Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign Launches Across NI
Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are participating in a new campaign on the importance of getting the best from your sunscreen and reducing your risk of skin cancer. As part of the Living Well service, 'Care in the sun' is running in community pharmacies throughout June and July.
19 November 2009
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.
06 October 2010
Skin Cancer Consultation Welcomed
A leading NI cancer charity has given a warm welcome to news that a strategy to reduce skin cancers has gone to the stage of public consultation.
Skin Cancer Consultation Welcomed
A leading NI cancer charity has given a warm welcome to news that a strategy to reduce skin cancers has gone to the stage of public consultation.
02 March 2011
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
