A Lancashire MP is calling for the complete ban of everyone under the age of 18 from using a sunbed.
Labour MP Rosie Cooper is calling for the extreme measures after new evidence reveals sunbed use is directly related to skin cancer.
It is estimated more than 100 of the 2,300 skin cancer deaths a year are caused by the ultra-violet booths.
A report featured in the renowned Lancet Oncology medical journal concludes the risk of skin melanoma is increased by 75% when tanning devices are frequently used by people under the age of 30.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently moved sunbeds up to 'risk group 1' revealing they are officially carcinogenic to humans.
MP Rosie Cooper was shocked by the findings and urges the government to prioritise the protection of youngsters from the harmful effects of UV light.
Rosie said: "The use of sunbeds by young people, particularly in unstaffed and coin operated tanning salons, is something I raised in Parliament back in 2007."
"I'm particularly concerned by this new information which highlights even further the very serious health risks posed to our children by sunbed use."
"Young women are the most prolific users of sunbeds, but they are also most at risk from the effects of UV rays."
"The report released by the IARC shows that the risk of developing a skin melanoma is increased by 75% when use of tanning devices starts before the age of 30."
"I'll be writing to the Minister for Public Health asking for swift action to be taken to regulate tanning salons and for a ban on their use by under-18s.
"I urge young people to use fake tan instead - it is far better to fake than to bake."
The Government's Committee on the Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) also found that over 100 deaths from skin cancer every year can be directly attributed to the use of sunbeds.
The committee support Rosie's call for a ban on the use of sunbeds by under 18's as well as legislation to regulate tanning salons.
They also would like to see training for all salon staff and detailed information on the health risks of using sunbeds to be available in all stores.
Richard Davidson, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Cancer Research UK, said: "We are very pleased that IARC have upgraded sunbeds to the highest risk category."
"Given the dangers of sunbeds, we want the government to act now to ban under-18s from using sunbeds."
Over the last 25 years, rates of malignant melanoma have risen faster than any other common cancer across the UK, and it is now the most common cancer in young adults (aged 15-34).
Post a comment