Sunbeds as dangerous as cigarettes & asbestos

0 Comments | Daily Mirror, The; London (UK), Jul 30, 2009 | by AINE HEGARTY

THE Irish Cancer Society yesterday called for a ban of sunbed use for under-18s after research found tanning machines are as lethal as cigarettes and asbestos.

The charity urged the Government to introduce laws without delay to control the industry.

International cancer specialists have reclassified tanning beds and sun lamps as more dangerous than previously suggested.

The shocking research found the risk was greatest to children and young adults.

Experts have recommended that sunbeds and sun lamps be placed in the "highest cancer risk category".

Norma Cronin of the Irish Cancer Society yesterday warned Irish people are literally dying to get a tan. She said: "We have been concerned about the lack of regulation around the sunbed industry for years and we cannot wait any longer before legislation is introduced.

MELANOMA

"People are putting their lives in danger as they are not aware of the serious skin cancer risk associated with sunbeds."

The intensity of UV light emitted by sunbeds means a 20-minute session is the equivalent of spending an entire day on the beach.

People under 30 who use sunbeds are 75% more likely to develop melanoma which leads to skin cancer.

The Irish Cancer Society made a submission to the Department of Health in early 2008 but still has not heard anything back on its proposals.

Ms Cronin added: "We are disappointed the legislation is taking so long, particularly in light of these findings."

In 2007 the society's own research came up with alarming results.

Key findings were that 6% of people used sunbeds, 2% used them once a week and a third were under 19 when they started.

The latest research confirms the risk is greatest to children and young adults, with a 75% increase in risk when use of tanning devices starts before 30 years of age.

In 2007 there were 7,076 new cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer and 667 new cases of malignant melanoma skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and there has been an 84% increase in cases in males and a 48% increase in women over the past 10 years.

Ms Cronin concluded: "This backs up our advice to avoid sunbeds completely.

"However, in the wake of increased availability of sunbeds and increasing incidence of skin cancer, it is vital that legislation is introduced without delay."

Irish Mirror Comment: Page 14

20 minute session is equivalent to spending one day on the beach

75% of people under 30 who use sunbeds are more likely to get cancer

667 number of new cases of malignant melanoma skin cancer in one year