Proposals made for regulation of sunbeds

EIGHTEEN ORGANISATIONS and individuals have made submissions to the Department of Health about proposed new laws to restrict the use of sunbeds because of their potential to cause cancer.

Minister for Health Ms Harney sought opinions on measures including a ban on under-18s using tanning machines, controls on their sale and rental, regulation of supervision at tanning booths, and the possibility of making warning labels mandatory.

However, while it is an area where lack of regulation has been a concern for years, it is expected to be a lengthy process before any reforming legislation is brought forward. Officials declined to outline the nature of the proposals and suggestions.

The Irish Cancer Society and Environmental Health Officers' Association, which have campaigned for regulation of the sector, are among the organisations which made submissions.

In its 16-page document, the cancer society stresses the need to ban the use of sunbeds for under-18s, because "cells are still forming and developing", and children have increased sensitivity to the dangers of artificial and natural light.

It also warns that "the sunbed industry has not shown significant capacity to self-regulate effectively. In a largely unregulated industry where training of staff is not mandatory, this increases the health risk significantly".

In its annual SunSmart campaign this year the society highlighted a survey last year of 1,000 people that found 6 per cent of people admitted to using sunbeds, of whom 2 per cent used them once a week.

Some 34 per cent were under 19 when they first used a sunbed. The research also showed 22 per cent of sunbed users are males "which is a significant increase from 8 per cent" in 2005.

In 2005, the Environmental Health Officers Association first called for the introduction of appropriate legislation to restrict and control the use of sunbeds. The association carried out a survey of 110 premises operating sunbeds. It said that 20 per cent said there were no health risks attached to sunbeds.

"People can make their own personal decisions about sunbed usage, but they should be fully informed of all the risks," said Jennifer Shorten of the association.

Environmental health officers'submission

* Ban the use of sunbeds for under-18s

* Prohibit unsupervised and self-service sunbeds

* All staff members should be fully trained

* Clients should sign consent form, which are regularly updated and retained to monitor usage

* Goggles must always be provided free of charge

* Regular statutory inspections of equipment and hygiene standards