Barbara Stewart MP

Spokesperson for Health

3 February 2014

Call to Regulate Use of Sunbeds

New Zealand First is calling for urgent regulation of sunbed operators after a report showing many are not following safety guidelines.

“The Government must act swiftly in light of a Consumer report that found two-thirds of 60 operators surveyed failed to meet safety requirements, says Health spokesperson Barbara Stewart.

“This is appalling and clear evidence that stronger measures must be put in place as  operators are not following the voluntary guidelines.

“The health and well-being of many New Zealanders is in the hands of the Government.

“Consumer points out that the more often a person uses a sunbed, and the younger they start, the more they are at risk of skin cancer,” Mrs Stewart said.

“Last year Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew responded to a New Zealand First question saying regulation might be considered if further education of operators was ineffective in ensuring good practice.

“The Consumer survey shows good practice is not occurring - it is time to act,” says Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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