It may have escaped your notice but the UK has a law about Sunbeds – the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010. I know laying in the Sun is a complete mystery for half the world (the half that actually has Sunny days) but to the other half, it’s perfectly understandable. I will let you guess which half the of the world the UK resides.
It turns out that a little bit of sun is quite good for you but too much Sun is harmful (that’s probably why we say ‘too much’). Now we all know that launching yourself at the Sun is probably harmful – I mean, it’s rather hot for a start. Staring at the Sun is also obviously a bit awkward too – it doesn’t even blink and that can get a little embarrassing after a while. But even if you walk around casually minding your own business, it can get to work on you – rather a nice tan. But it also burns you and carries a risk of causing skin cancer. So, many people love to get tanned artificially.
These laws state the following. Firstly, they make it clear that children (Under 18 years old) are not allowed to use commercial sunbed parlours. The skin of young people is especially vulnerable. The rest of the law scopes out the subject matter of possible future regulations on this subject.
For example, in scope is the possibility of restricting sale or hire of sunbeds to children (presumably for home use to try and get round not being allowed in the commercial premises). Making commercial premises give and display information about sunbed health risks; making protective eye wear available to customers and trying to ensure it’s worn when using the sunbeds. It turns out that Wales has brought in those extra measures in local, regional legislation. They go by the title of the Sunbed (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011.
These regulations go to the point of insisting that a supervisor is present on the premises to make sure no children are using sunbeds. Assessing the skin type of adult customers, giving them information and advice on health risks and safe operation of the machine etc.
These laws are positive, as sun beds are proven to mutate cells with harmful UV Radiation. This law is a positive progression.
