At present, the indoor tanning industry is not subject to any form of direct statutory regulation and there are no statutory age restrictions to protect children and young people.
The Minister said: "I am considering a range of possible measures for regulating the sunbed industry in Northern Ireland, with particular regard to the need to protect the health of children and 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."
He added: "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. But it is important that people are aware of the potential risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is emitted by sunbeds."
There is growing evidence that links sunbed usage with the development of all skin cancers, and the contribution of sunbeds to malignant melanoma has been estimated at a 100 deaths per year in the UK.
In Northern Ireland, the incidence of malignant melanoma skin cancer cases has been increasing over the past 25 years, from around 80 recorded cases in 1984 to 233 in 2007. In addition, there were nearly 2,800 non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed in 2007, making it the most common type of cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland.
Notes to editors:
- The consultation document and response pro-forma is available at the DHSSPS website.
- The consultation will close on 19 February 2010.
- The purpose of this consultation document is to provide background and information on the recognised risks factors linking sunbed usage and skin cancer and to seek views on whether and by what means the sunbed industry should be regulated in Northern Ireland.
- Sunbed usage has increased significantly in recent years. Their usage was unusual before 1980 but by the end of the 1990s more than 60% of women and 50% of men aged 18-50 years had reported using a sunbed. As sunbeds emit ultraviolet radiation, many UK, European and global public health organisations have expressed their concern about the increase in use of sunbeds, particularly among young people.
- Increasingly, research is highlighting the risks of exposure associated with ultraviolet radiation from sunbeds. Of particular concern is the strength of modern commercial sunbeds which are capable of producing irradiation equivalent to midday Mediterranean sunlight.
- Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
