Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson John McCallister MLA has welcomed the ban on young people under 18 using sunbeds as the implementation of his Party’s policy.
The South Down MLA `pointed out that the bill was introduced to the Assembly in May 2010 by the then Ulster Unionist health Minister, Michael McGimpsey.
Mr McCallister said:
“This bill was introduced to the Assembly two years ago by my Ulster Unionist colleague Michael McGimpsey MLA.
The intention then as now, was to reduce skin cancer cases and deaths by regulating the sunbed industry and ensuring everyone is aware of the risks of using sunbeds.
Research shows that using sunbeds before the age of 30 can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by up to 75% and the mortality from melanoma due to sunbed use alone is estimated to be about 100 deaths per year in the UK.
The Ulster Unionist Party therefore welcomes the passing into s well as ensuring that the sunbed industry is properly regulated, this bill aims to reduce the use of sunbeds overall, and in particular, stop young people from using them in the first place. It will also ensure that more people are aware of the potential risks to their health from using sunbeds.”