A new law banning under-18s from using sunbeds in the North comes into force today. Any business found to be allowing those under the age limit to use, buy or hire the equipment will be liable to prosecution, Stormont’s Minister for Health, Edwin Poots, warned. District councils are responsible for enforcing the legislation.
“In Northern Ireland, the incidence of skin cancer cases has been increasing over the past 25 years,” Mr Poots said. “It is now the most common form of cancer, accounting for 28 per cent of all individuals diagnosed with cancer.
“Younger people under the age of 18 are particularly at risk as younger skin is more delicate and prone to damage than older skin. Sunbed users under the age of 35 have a 75 per cent higher risk of developing malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.”
Legislation is also due to be enacted in the Republic to ban under-18s from using sunbeds.
Minister for Health James Reilly secured permission from Cabinet last December to draft the legislation.