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MP warns of the dangers of sunbeds in the home
A Lancashire MP is leading calls for a high profile campaign to warn of the dangers of using sunbeds at home.
Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle urged ministers to take "real action" and change the law following the proliferation of home tanning machines.
Research released this month showed that tens of thousands of under-16s have used a sunbed, despite warnings of the risk of developing skin cancer.
A survey of 872 children aged 11 to 16 found that 6% had used a sunbed, 75% of them girls.
The situation is so serious at Baines High School in Poulton-le-Fylde that its acting headteacher has written to parents, advising them to control the tanning habits of their children.
Mr Hoyle said: "We know that these machines are not good for us; we know that they are bad. What can we do to bring in real legislation?
"The statistics are there. The information is there. We need to take real action to ensure that we get the message across that the machines are unsafe."
Malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer in 15 to 34-year-olds, resulting in 9,000 cases and 1,800 deaths a year. The Government advises that no-one under the age of 16 should be allowed to use UV tanning lamps, but there is no legislation.
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 09 February 2012
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