'Poor standards' at tanning salons
Updated on 06 July 2009
Some tanning salons have "shockingly poor standards of practice", including providing sunbeds that should only be used for medical reasons, a report has said.
A survey of 322 tanning parlours found staff were often poorly trained and there was no real restriction on children using sunbeds.
The study, which is being presented at the British Association of Dermatologists' (BAD) annual conference in Glasgow, revealed that more than one in four salons use "type 4" equipment.
These sunbeds are designed for treating skin conditions in hospital dermatology departments rather than cosmetic tanning, according to the report.
It also found that the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sunbeds was unknown in 62% of salons while 39% had sunbeds that were not regularly tested.
Too much UV can lead to burning and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says sunbeds should not be used by children under the age of 18, although it is not currently illegal.
The results of the study showed that only 51% of salons checked the age of their clients and 71% of those who allowed children to use sunbeds did not require an adult signature on the consent form.
BAD spokeswoman, Rebecca Freeman, said: "Unfortunately, as the industry is entirely unregulated, there is nothing to indicate that the same issues could not be occurring in England as in Northern Ireland.
"The sunbed industry needs to be regulated throughout the UK, as this research highlights serious issues that could be putting people's health at risk."
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