A new study from University of Otago researchers suggests banning sunbed services in New Zealand would help reduce skin cancer rates and only have a minimal effect on businesses and jobs.
Published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal, the study included a nationwide audit of businesses potentially providing sunbed services. The researchers, Bronwen McNoe and Associate Professor Tony Reeder, argued that New Zealand should follow Australia’s lead in banning commercial sunbeds and compensating for loss of equipment and arranging for its safe disposal.
“While this country has restricted access to sunbeds to those over 18 years of age, the scientific evidence clearly shows that there is no safe level of sunbed use for individuals of any age,” said McNoe.
The research has been covered by several media outlets, including:
Newshub: Academics call for sunbed ban in bid to shrink cancer rates
Newstalk ZB: Outright ban on sunbeds would reduce skin cancer rates – study
NZ Herald: Calls for ban of commercial sunbeds