Sunbeds ‘should have health warning’

TANNING yourself in a sunbed or solarium is as dangerous as lying in the hot sun, scientists have warned.

The Irish are particularly at risk, especially those who have fair skin, blue eyes, red hair and freckles, an EU report warns.

In fact anybody who has a family history of skin cancer, has moles or freckles, is under 18 years of age and sunburns easily, should avoid sunbeds altogether.

The scientists say sunbeds and solariums should have a warning attached to ensure the public know the dangers. They also say the strength of the UV rays should be limited.

Consumer and Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said he was concerned that indiscriminate use of tanning devices can lead to an increased incidence of malignant skin-cancers.

Irish women have the sixth highest incidence of skin cancer in Europe while men have the 12th highest. Almost a third of all cancers diagnosed in Ireland in the 1990s were skin cancer.