The HSE have confirmed today that there will be a provisions of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act, enforcing a ban on underage use of sunbeds.
The act will set provisions designed to protect the public, and in particular children and young adults, from the dangers of skin damage, skin cancer and other health risks associated with using sunbeds, including premature ageing and eye damage.
Studies show the risk of melanoma is increased by 75% when a person uses tanning beds before 30 years of age. The International Agency for Research on Cancer subsequently raised the classification of the use of UV tanning devices to Group 1 – namely, ‘carcinogenic to humans’.
Maurice Mulcahy, HSE Principal Environmental Health Officer, spoke about the decision to enforce the ban, saying:
‘The Environmental Health Service already enforces a wide array of public protection legislation, notably in relation to food hygiene, tobacco and cosmetics. Over the next few weeks the HSE Environmental Health Service will be writing to sunbed business operators to advise them of the new legal provisions and what they will need to do to comply.’
The health service will also provide a webpage service with information on the dangers of sunbeds, allowing the public to lodge a complaint with the HSE Environment Health Service if they believe a child under 18 is being permitted to use sunbeds.
Skin cancer is now the most common cancer diagnosed in Ireland with 8,000 new cases diagnosed each year. This is almost double the number of cases compared to 20 years ago. Doctors advise taking precautions to help prevent skin cancer, with Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
The HSE is asking parents to remember SLIP, SLAP, SLOP AND WRAP in the sun:
- SLIP – on a loose sleeve length tee shirt
- SLAP – on a wide brimmed hat that covers the back of the neck
- SLOP – on sun screen, minimum SPF 15
- WRAP – on sun glasses
As well as protecting children in the sun, parents are also asked to keep check on any changes in moles and to notify a doctor is they’re concerned.
