Committee announces inquiry into use and regulation of sunbeds in Wales

The National Assembly for Wales’ Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee today announced that it is undertaking an inquiry into the use and regulation of sunbeds in Wales and is calling for those with an interest or expertise in this area to submit written evidence.

Committee Chair Darren Millar AM said that the decision to hold an inquiry came in the wake of an increased public awareness of the potential health risks associated with the use of sunbeds and especially the use of unsupervised tanning salons by children.

“There seems to be a growing body of evidence that indicates that the use of sunbeds over an extended period increases the risks of certain skin cancers,” said Darren Millar.

“In addition, there is mounting public concern that ever-younger children are regularly using sunbeds, which in the past have resulted in severe burns for some users and at worst, an increased risk of skin cancer.

“At the moment, there is no effective regulation oneither the provisionor the use of sunbeds in Wales, and the Committee felt strongly that sunbed use in Wales should be made as safe as possible.”

As part of its inquiry, the Committee will be taking evidence from those who advocate greater regulation and from the sunbed industry itself.

“If we conclude that better regulation is needed, the Committee may recommend that the National Assembly gets the legal powers to make new laws for Wales to ensure the safety of sunbeds users in Wales,” Mr Millar said.