Majority back sunbed ban for under-18s

Published on Friday 17 July 2009 10:31

NEARLY 90 per cent of people in Scotland are backing proposals to ban under-18s from using sunbeds, a charity has said.

Following a survey, Cancer Research UK has said that the vast majority of people were in favour of the plans, due to be brought in later this year.

The ban is seen as a key step to reducing the number of skin cancer cases across the Lothians, particularly in younger people.

The questionnaire also revealed that 91 per cent of people want more information in salons about the risks of sunbed use.

Sarah Woolnough, of Cancer Research UK, said: "These results show the overwhelming support from the Scottish public for the measures which are due to be introduced later this year to ensure sunbed salons are properly regulated and that people are aware of the dangers.

"The rates of malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – are rapidly rising in the UK.

"Experts believe that, along with binge tanning on foreign holidays, using sunbeds is one of the main reasons."