New evidence to feed into tanning salons inquiry
New research suggesting a direct link between the use of sunbeds and cancer will form part of the evidence being considered by a National Assembly inquiry.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) previously stated that sunbeds are ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’, but has now strengthened that view by claiming that there is a definite link.
Chair of the Health Wellbeing and Local Government Committee Darren Millar AM said: “This new report from the IARC is valuable and timely evidence which will help the committee’s inquiry. It’s a respected body which is part of the World Health Organisation and when it reports findings as serious as this, everyone should take notice.”
The committee is currently inviting people and organisations to submit written evidence to be taken into consideration as part of the inquiry. The deadline for evidence is 21st August - with the report expected to be published towards the end of the assembly’s autumn term.
Mr Millar said: “It’s important we receive as much opinion and research as possible on this issue. We have already heard evidence from the mother of a 14 year old girl who suffered 70 percent burns to her body after using a sunbed. She, like all of my colleagues, shares a concern about the long term health consequences of regular sunbed use.”
Cancer Research UK has also addressed the committee and has recommended under 18s be banned from using tanning salons.
The Sunbed Association currently enforces an age limit of 16+ among its users and, in giving evidence, was unconvinced at how effective raising that limit would be.
However, It did support the banning of coin-operated, unmanned salons.
The Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee began its inquiry on 9th July 2009.
Among the issues under consideration by the committee are:
The use of sunbeds by children
The over use of sunbeds
The supervision of sunbed users
The use of coin-operated machines
The monitoring and limiting of sunbed sessions
The provision of health risk information at sunbed premises
The inspection of premises