BID TO BAN TEENS FROM SUNBED USE; Doctors back minister's plan.Byline: STEVEN MCCAFFERY TEENAGERS could be banned from using sunbeds under proposals unveiled yesterday by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey Cllr Michael McGimpsey MLA (born July 1 1948) is a Northern Ireland unionist politician, property developer and Ulster Unionist Party Member of the Legislative Assembly for Belfast South. McGimpsey was born in Donaghadee, County Down and attended Trinity College, Dublin. . The minister announced a public consultation on plans to regulate the industry in a response to fears over links to skin cancer. The blueprint includes a ban on under-18s using sunbeds in commercial premises, or hiring them for use at home. The plans would provide the first official regulation of tanning salons and could limit the number of sunbed sun·bed n. See tanning bed. sunbed n → cama solar sunbed sun n → lit pliant; (with sun lamp sessions individuals can take, while forcing operators to inform clients of the possible health risks. The minister said: "I am considering a range of possible measures for regulating the sunbed industry in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland: see Ireland, Northern. Northern Ireland Part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland occupying the northeastern portion of the island of Ireland. Area: 5,461 sq mi (14,144 sq km). Population (2001): 1,685,267. , with particular regard to the need to protect the health of young people. "I am now inviting views on the options for regulation of the sunbed industry in Northern Ireland and on what scope such regulation should have. "There is a perception that sun-tanned skin or a bronzed body equates to health and beauty, and the use of sunbeds for tanning continues to increase in popularity." Dr Paul Darragh, chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland Association, welcomed the proposals. He said: "Doctors are concerned about the rising incidences of skin cancer in Northern Ireland and the access that people have to sunbeds for cosmetic use. "Doctors do not recommend using sunbeds for cosmetic purposes as their use can result in severe skin and eye damage. "We believe that there should be a thorough regulation of sunbed operators, and that tighter controls will have a positive impact on skin cancer prevention efforts." Voice of the Mirror: Page 8 100 MALIGNANT MELANOMA Malignant Melanoma Definition Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer arising from the melanocyte cells of the skin. Melanocytes are cells in the skin that produce a pigment called melanin. CAUSES 100 UK DEATHS A YEAR 233 RECORDED CASES OF SKIN CANCER PER YEAR IN ULSTER |
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