New legislation has been put in place which forbids the use of sun beds by those below 18 years of age.
The public health bill will include a new legislation that prohibits the use of sun beds by those below 18 years of age. This move comes in the wake of the nation’s increasing levels of skin cancer, reportedly 8500 cases annually from Scotland alone.The risk of skin cancer is up by 75% for those who use sun beds before the age of 35.
Following this legislation, salons in Scotland will need to cough up a fine of £100 if they are found encouraging sun bed use by the under -18s. Further, the salons will attract a fine of £50 fine if tanning facilities are run without staff.
Commenting about the legislation, Public health minister Shona Robison said, “This major piece of legislation will ensure appropriate measures are in place to safeguard the public from existing and emerging threats to public health."
Equally positive of the legislation, Cancer Research UK, director of policy, Richard Davidson, said, “Using a sun bed before the age of 35 increases the risk of skin cancer by up to 75 per cent, so we welcome the move to prevent children from using them. Scotland is once again leading the way in public health across the UK.”
Salons have been advised to educate users about imminent health risks of sun bed use.
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Source-Medindia
SAV/M
