Swapping sunbeds for spray tans

Teenagers in Darlington are encouraged to think twice before using sun beds and  tanning booths to achieve a golden glow.

Over the years the use of sunbeds and standing tanning booths has increased among the younger population, with teenagers often under the impression they are a safe short cut to a bronzed complexion. This is despite it being an offence to allow people aged 17 years and under to use sunbeds in commercial premises.

Although there is no such thing as a safe tan, the UVA rays emitted from sunbeds are known to penetrate the skin deeper than the UVB rays naturally associated with tanning. This can lead to skin cancers including melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer and is responsible for 100 deaths each year in the UK.

Brian Whelan, Environmental Health manager, Darlington Borough Council said, "When tanning, the outermost layer of your skin is harmed and it's the healing process which makes your skin appear darker. Research shows that sunbed use can have a long-term impact on your health and in some cases can be deadly; the risk of melanoma is up to 25% higher in people who have used a sunbed and 59% higher for those who have done so before the age of 35.”

"We have been contacting local salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels to highlight these risks and to raise awareness of government legislation which prevents people under the age of 18 using sun beds or from being in an eclosed area where a sun bed is located.

“We are also appealing to parents to help educate their teens on the dangers sun beds pose and asking young people to consider using other, safe tanning options such as spray tans and bottled fake tan, rather than nasal sprays which are also harmful and contain ingredients which are illegal in the UK.”

Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, Darlington Borough Council said " We are committed to ensuring our residents are supported to live well and stay healthy. If you are aware of a business in Darlington which allows underage children to use sunbeds, please report this to our environmental health team who will look into your concerns.  Anyone involved with a sunbed business has a duty to ensure that nobody under the age of 18 is allowed to use a sunbed. This includes being offered the use of a sunbed or being present in a restricted zone. Failure to comply with this can lead to a penalty of up to £20,000."

You can report concerns about underage sun bed use in commercial facilities to [email protected].