SOME POLITICIANS are particularly skilled at extracting positive publicity from improbable situations. And Minister for Health Mary Harney is one of them. By remarking on what she would like to do – rather than what is likely to happen – in connection with the public use of sunbeds, she garnered a significant amount of publicity this week and managed to distract attention from the slow progress being made by her department in the production of legislation.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently recommended that sunbeds be moved to the “highest cancer risk category” as they had been found to be more dangerous than previously thought. Eye cancers were identified as a particular problem. And the danger was greatest to children and young adults, as long-term exposure to UV radiation increased the risks involved. The likelihood of developing a melanoma rose by 75 per cent if tanning devices were used before the age of 30.
Back in 2006, as part of a broad anti-cancer strategy involving reductions in tobacco and alcohol misuse, Ms Harney pledged to restrict the use of sunbeds. But it took two years for the Department of Health to invite submissions from interested parties on the possible content of the legislation. Small wonder the Irish Cancer Society expressed concern over the delay and called for early regulation of the industry.
Industry groups have consistently disputed research findings. They insist that careful use of sunbeds does not involve a health risk. They draw attention to the number of people employed in the sector. And they note that some companies already operate a voluntary, over-18s policy. The fact remains that many customers are not aware of the potential dangers. And there has been a growing tendency for girls as young as six or seven years of age to acquire artificial tans before their First Communion. The need for strict regulation is unquestionable.
The Minister struck a populist note in Dublin earlier this week. She said she would love to see a ban on sunbed use by people of all ages because of their link to skin cancer. But all she could offer in concrete terms was a promise that legislation protecting under-18s will be drafted soon. People use sunbeds because they think a tan makes them look more attractive. But false tan lotions are so good these days that they can achieve the same result. Users of sunbeds will probably look older prematurely. They may get skin cancer. Those risks should be fully explained to clients at all tanning centres. Legislation is urgently required.