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APIL calls for law to protect children from tanning injuries

Published 18/07/2008

APIL is calling on the Health and Safety Executive to criminalise child sun bed use to avoid injuries.

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has told the Health and Safety Executive that allowing under 18s to use UV tanning equipment should become a criminal offence, saying it is vital to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of sunbed use.

“There are serious health risks for anyone using UV tanning equipment, but we are particularly concerned about young people,” said APIL chief executive, Denise Kitchener. “While we welcome the HSE’s move to change the recommended minimum age from 16 to 18, we firmly believe youngsters will only be fully protected if this becomes law, which is what is proposed in Scotland.”

APIL also said that more information should be available so that all customers are fully aware of the risks of UV tanning.

“The HSE’s suggestion that operators should provide customers with advice does not go far enough,” said Denise. “We want to see warning signs in every sunbed cubicle and in full view of customers walking into a salon.

“Customers should also be asked to read and sign a consent form to ensure they understand the risks involved. It is essential people are given enough information to make an informed and educated choice before they go ahead.”

The World Health Organization and EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Products have recommended that under-18s should never use UV tanning equipment.

The trade body for the sun bed industry The Sunbed Association enforces and supports an age restriction of under-16s, but does not agree with a restriction for under-18s.

A Health and Safety Executive consultation concluded today on a number of proposals for regulation of the sun bed industry.

This article has been reprinted with permission of the Claims Standards Council

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