7 June 2004 - Sunbed Warning Guidelines Not Followed
The Consumers Association is concerned that sunbed tanning outlets are failing to follow The Sunbed Association (TSA) guidelines to advise customers who have ‘skin type 1’ that sunbed use is unwise for them. Which, who say that 40 out of the 42 outlets that their researchers visited including salons, leisure centres and health clubs were rated as inadequate and would allow people with ‘skin type 1’ to use their sunbeds.
BMA Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson commented:
"A suntan is not a sign of good health; a tan, even when there is no burning, always means that the skin has been damaged, a suntan is not nature's own sunscreen – it does not protect you from ultra-violet radiation.
It's ironic, people use sunbeds because they think they'll look better and yet they will probably end up looking old prematurely and possibly getting skin cancer."
People who should NEVER use sunbeds:
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Under 16s
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People who have very fair skin
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People who burn easily or tan poorly
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People with a lot of freckles or moles
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People who have had skin cancer or have a family history of the disease
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People using medication that could make their skin more sensitive to ultra-violet light
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People who already have extensive ultra-violet radiation damage
