Sunbeds ‘breaching European safety limits’

Just three of the 29 premises visited during inspections by council health and safety officers were found to be operating safely, at or under 0.3 watts, with the rest emitting rays twice as powerful as the midday sun in the Mediterranean.

Health officials have also warned users, particularly the young, that they could cause serious damage to their health - including fatal cancers - and cautioned against their use.

Laura Peggs, health promotion co-ordinator at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Young people don’t think they have to worry about skin damage because they are young, however, you can’t always see the damage done by UV rays straight away.

“It builds up over time. But every time you use a sun bed you are harming your skin and worsening its appearance in the long run.

“This damage is permanent. Surgical treatment for skin cancer can result in serious scarring.

“Melanoma is the second most common cancer in 20 to 39-year-olds and can be fatal.

“Using sun beds before the age of 35 increases your risk of developing skin cancer by up to 75 per cent. It is so important we educate our young people about the damage of sun bed use.”

Sunbeds in tanning parlours, beauty salons, hairdressers, and amusement arcades were tested, and all those breaching the legal limit agreed to reduce their strength.

Coun David Bolton, the council’s portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, said: “The 0.3 watts safe limit is the equivalent of the midday sun in the Mediterranean.

“When you go abroad you are always warned to stay out of the sun at peak times to avoid sunburn, but these beds actually operate at that level.

“People need to be aware of the risks they are exposing themselves to when using sunbeds.”