Scientists: ban sunbeds

Making sunbeds illegal - 27th June 2022

Scientists in England say sunbeds should be banned as they're dangerous.

The University of Manchester is working with scientists in Australia, where sunbeds are illegal. They're researching the damage and costs caused by tanning on sunbeds. Banning sunbeds could save 200 lives. It could also help the NHS save £700,000.

Professor Adele Green researches health and disease at the University of Manchester. She said that there's a lot of incorrect information about sunbeds. They don't provide vitamin D or protective tans. Sunbeds cause the skin to age early, eye problems and skin cancer.

The CEO of Melanoma Focus, Susanna Daniels advises against sunbeds. "There's no such thing as a safe tan," she said. She stated that sunbeds produce more UV rays than the midday sun. This destroys the skin's DNA.

The Sunbed Association strongly disagrees with the research. Tanning is very popular in the UK. There are thousands of tanning salons. The association's chairman, Gary Lipman, doesn't accept the report from the scientists. He says the study wasn't done in countries where sunbeds are well-managed.