Scientists: ban sunbeds

Banning tanning - 27th June 2022

Scientists in England say banning sunbeds could save peoples' lives.

Experts at The University of Manchester are working with scientists in Australia, where sunbeds have been banned. They're investigating the damage and costs connected to sunbed tanning.

A report was published, in the British Journal of Dermatology, which suggests that 1,200 cases and 200 deaths could be avoided. It could also save the NHS £700,000.

Health and disease expert, at The University of Manchester, Professor Adele Green highlighted that: "There's a lot of misunderstanding about sunbeds, such as it provides vitamin D and it gives protective tans, I'm afraid both of these are incorrect. What sunbed exposure does is bring on premature ageing and wrinkling of the skin, as well as eye problems and high risks of skin cancer."

The CEO of Melanoma Focus, Susanna Daniels, gave similar advice. "There's no such thing as a safe tan, particularly if you've got pale skin - we would advise not using them. Sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday tropical sun and what these UV rays do is damage the DNA in your skin."

The Sunbed Association says it rejects the results of the research. Tanning is a successful business. In the UK, thousands of tanning salons can be found. Chairman of the association Gary Lipman opposes the claims. He says the studies were done outside of the UK, where they don't follow strict rules.