There have been calls for a crackdown on “rogue operators” who allow under-18s to use sunbeds.
Dublin West Aontú councillor Ellen Troy has added her support to demands for stricter controls, reports Breaking News.
Sunbeds are banned for anyone under 18, but Troy told Newstalk that some unscrupulous providers continue to offer access.
She said adults can weigh the risks for themselves, but for young people, sunbeds pose serious dangers, reports Breaking News.
“Kids are wanting to look well, and everybody looks a bit better with a nice golden tan, but unfortunately it’s very, very dangerous. The ultraviolet light plays a crucial role in the development of melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancers, so it’s something I want to get across to young people,” Troy said, reports Breaking News.
She added that the harm sunbeds can inflict on young skin is severe.
The councillor also warned that some rogue operators are promoting ‘happy hours’ with free sessions to entice children to use sunbeds, reports Breaking News.
“Unfortunately, without proper regulation, effectively a child can go into one of these tanning places that are popping up all over the place, and they can actually have two or three sessions within days of each other and do tremendous damage to their skin,” she said, reports Breaking News.
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