STUK Seeks Solarium Ban for Minors
Image: AP Graphics Bank
Finland's Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) wants to ban access to tanning salons to those under the age of 18.
STUK has taken the stand in coordination with corresponding agencies in Iceland, Norway and Sweden. They all concur that ultraviolet radiation greatly increases the risk of skin cancer. The World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has declared that solarium use increases the likelihood of skin cancer.
Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible, as sunburns suffered while young significantly boost the chances of later developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
The Nordic radiation security authorities say that those under 18 should be barred from using, buying or renting solarium equipment.
Similar laws are already on the books in many European countries. STUK is now working toward such a ban in Finland.
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