- Government advisers are urging ministers to consider a “total ban” on commercial sunbeds , citing concerns over their increasing popularity among young people.
- A new report from the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (Comare) indicates that sunbed use has "not been much reduced, despite the introduction of laws to control use". It also highlighted “suggestions that young people are increasingly using them.”
- Leading medical professionals from the British Association of Dermatologists and the British Photodermatology Group have also called for a complete ban on commercial sunbeds.
- Comare's report criticises some sunbed operators for “making false and unsubstantiated claims of health benefits”. Dr Tamara Griffiths, president of the British Association of Dermatologists, said in response to the findings: “Sunbed operators have demonstrated that they are not able to consistently meet existing requirements, including limits on the amount of UV radiation emitted by their machines and age restrictions."
- A study cited in the report found that a ban on commercial sunbeds would lead to fewer skin cancer cases and deaths, while also easing the burden on the NHS.
IN FULL
Total sunbed ban urged by government advisers over skin cancer fears
