New research has revealed that sunbeds are as likely to cause cancer as cigarettes and alcohol.
The dangers have been classed as so severe that the World Health Organisation has placed them on the list of the most cancer causing substances and habits, alongside asbestos and arsenic.
Cancer Research has claimed that using a sunbed just once a month can increase the risk of developing cancer by more than half. And the UV rays from many sunbeds are up to 15 times more intense than the midday sun in the Mediterranean.
Not great news for the Sunbed Association. They have chosen to play down the the risks though - arguing there is no proven link to the use of sunbeds and skin cancer, and the most serious risks are only likely if over-exposure occurs.
It will no doubt get people talking, and for many the news may shock them enough to stop using sunbeds to protect their health.
Hmmm think it might take more than that. We have long since been aware that sunbeds are dangerous for our health, but thousands of people still use them on a regular basis, including children as young as 11.
Sunbeds, alcohol, cigarettes, fast-food, speeding - we are all aware of the dangers and read about them daily. Yet they are still major issues which need to be tackled.
There will always be hardcore sunbed worshippers, who look as though they’ve been Tangoed.
So how to could get the message across....
Real life case studies of people living through the pain of skin cancer.
Individuals who have sued sunbed shops.
The fashion and celebrity industry making a tan less trendy than it is seen at the minute.
This is isn’t the first time concerning health research has been uncovered and it probably won’t be the last.
1.daveh
test
Posted 2009-07-29 21:06:59
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