Health News

Sunbeds are health hazard, especially for young, says British study

Jul 29, 2009, 9:46 GMT

London - Sunbeds are harmful to a person's health, especially under the age of 30, and can increase the risk of skin tumours by 75 per cent, research published in a leading British medical journal Wednesday said. The study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said ultraviolet-emitting tanning devices were more dangerous than previously suggested. The research, published in the latest edition of The Lancet Oncology medical journal, found the risk was greatest to children and young adults. 'The risk of skin melanoma is increased by 75 per cent when use of tanning devices starts before 30 years of age,' the report said. 'Additionally, several case-control studies provide consistent evidence of a positive association between the use of ultraviolet-emitting tanning devices and ocular melanoma - or eye cancer.' A spokesman for the Department of Health in London said that the Government may look at new laws to exercise tighter control of the use of the machines. But The Sunbed Association (TSA) disputed the research and said there was 'no proven link' that responsible sunbed use led to skin cancer. 'TSA would dispute the IARC classification that sunbeds are 'carcinogenic to humans',' TSA chief executive Kathy Banks said. 'The fact that is continuously ignored is that there is no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer.'

Health News

Sunbeds are health hazard, especially for young, says British study

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