Public want ban on sunbeds for under 18s

Nearly 90 per cent of people in the UK back proposals to stop under 18s from using sunbeds according to a new survey by Cancer Research UK, today.

The results also show that 90 per cent of people want all sunbed salons to be staffed at all times. And 91 per cent want salons to provide health information to all users making sure they are aware of the health risks of using sunbeds.

The survey* – carried out by YouGov – questioned more than 2000 people from across the UK.

Sarah Woolnough, Cancer Research UK’s head of policy, said: “These results show the overwhelming support from the public for laws to be introduced to ensure that sunbeds are properly regulated and that people are aware of the dangers of using sunbeds.

“Cancer Research UK is calling for England, Northern Ireland and Wales to follow in the footsteps of Scotland and stop under 18s from using sunbeds, close salons that aren’t supervised by trained staff and ensure information about the risks of using sunbeds is given to all customers.

“The rates of malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – are rapidly rising in the UK and experts believe that, along with binge tanning on foreign holidays, using sunbeds is one of the main reasons. Legislation would be a fantastic step in the right direction to help prevent people developing the disease.

“This survey follows the COMARE report which categorically states that there are no health benefits from using sunbeds. And with the huge public support revealed in these latest results the government should act now.”

ENDS

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