BAD: Rest of UK should follow
Friday, 13 Jun 2008 14:45
Scotland's decision to ban under 18s from using sunbeds is a welcome decision that should be replicated in the rest of the UK, the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) has said.
In England the government is reviewing the options for the regulation of the sunbed industry.
The BAD wants the government to restrict sunbed use for under 18s and a ban on coin-operated, unmanned sunbeds.
"Many salons do not provide adequate information on the health risks but instead advertise somewhat spurious health 'benefits'," a statement added.
"We would therefore also like to see better point of sale information supplied, outlining the health risks so people can make a more informed decision regarding sunbed use."
The BAD is also concerned that sunbeds can often be found in gyms, which it says sends out conflicting messages about what is healthy.
As such the association is calling for the removal of sunbeds from all health facilities such as gyms and sports centres.