|
|
|
SUNBED WARNING LEAFLET LAUNCHED
By Derval Keenan, 6/17/2005 12:22:39 PM
|
A stern warning leaflet was launched today highlighting the dangers of using sunbeds. The leaflet raises awareness of the risks involved and warns people not to be fooled into thinking that a sunbed tan is safe.
The leaflet was produced by the Sunbed Group, a committee of the Northern Ireland Melanoma Strategy Implementation Group (NIMSIG) and was launched at the All-Ireland Environmental Health Conference held today at the Europa Hotel.
Sandra Gordon, NIMSIG Strategy Co-ordinator said, The public have a right to know that sunbeds do not offer safe tanning. The ultraviolet rays emitted by sunbeds are many times stronger than the midday sun and cause early ageing of the skin. But even more worrying, is the fact that sunbed use increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for 1 in 4 cancers diagnosed each year. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous and aggressive skin cancer and in Northern Ireland the rates are increasing by an average of 4 men and 9 women each year and this figure looks set to rise.
The leaflet highlights the fact that fast tanning machines are particularly dangerous as they produce ultraviolet rays in higher doses and it is difficult for the customer to be aware of the strength and type of radiation or of the safety of sunbed equipment.
Sandra added, Sunbeds speed up the skins ageing process, causing early wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and thickening of the skin. Sunbed use can also cause sunburn, blistering, dry, painful or peeling skin and eye damage, including cataracts in later life. So we are urging sunbed users to take the British Medical Associations advice - do not use sunbeds!
The Sunbed Group has been working closely with councils across Northern Ireland to highlight the dangers of sunbed use. The group has urged councils to act responsibly, take action and remove sunbeds from their leisure facilities due to the known health risks. To date this has proved to be extremely successful - the majority of councils in Northern Ireland do not provide sunbeds on their premises in order to protect peoples health and to send a strong message that sunbeds are not safe to use.
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive of the Ulster Cancer Foundation praised the work of the Sunbed Group saying, We fully endorse a campaign such as this which seeks to raise the dangers of sunbed use. Melanoma is increasing in Northern Ireland, particularly amongst younger people. This campaign is particularly timely as summer approaches and people start thinking about developing a tan.
40,000 copies of the leaflet have been produced and will be distributed to leisure centres, community centres, GP surgeries, colleges, universities and libraries throughout Northern Ireland.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Sandra Gordon, NIMSIG Strategy Co-Ordinator Tel. 028 9049 2007
Pauline Wylie, PR & Events Manager, UCF Tel. 028 9049 2007
Notes to Editors:
Ø The Northern Ireland Melanoma Strategy Implementation Group is tasked with implementing the DHSSPSs strategy for the prevention, early detection and treatment of malignant melanoma and other skin cancers in Northern Ireland.
Ø The membership of this group includes representatives from health, health and safety, environmental health, education, the voluntary, public and private sectors.
|
|
|
