On 1 May 2012, sunbed use in Northern Ireland will be regulated by new legislation:-

All the information that sunbed operators, including those who hire and sell sunbeds, require to comply with the new law is contained in the Guidance booklet.

Skin cancer rates in Northern Ireland have trebled in the last 25 years. It is now the most common cancer here and accounts for 28% of all individuals diagnosed with cancer. There is convincing evidence that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer and other health conditions. This is true of natural UV rays from sunlight or UV radiation from artificial tanning devices (sunbeds). It is estimated that in the UK about 100 people die each year from melanomas that are due to sunbed use - that would equate to two to three deaths per year in Northern Ireland.

To seek views on whether and by what means the sunbed industry should be regulated in Northern Ireland

On the Sunbeds (Information) Regulations (NI) and the Sunbeds (Fixed Penalty) Regulations (NI)

Seamus Camplisson 028905 22219

Julie Stewart 028905 22256