Are sunbeds safe?

Sunbeds give out ultraviolet (UV) rays that increase your risk of developing skin cancer (both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma). Many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday tropical sun.

The risks are greater for young people. Evidence shows that:

• people who are frequently exposed to UV rays before the age of 25 are at greater risk of developing skin cancer later in life
• sunburn in childhood can greatly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life

It's illegal for people who are under the age of 18 to use sunbeds. The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 makes it an offence for someone operating a sunbed business to permit those under 18 to:

• use a sunbed at the business premises, including beauty salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels
• be offered the use of a sunbed at the business premises
• be allowed in an area reserved for sunbed users (unless they're working as an employee of the business)