Sunbed Seminar
Dr Gibson recently organised a Parliamentary round-table seminar to discuss the potential need for regulation of the sunbed industry.
A number of MPs had already expressed concern about the operation of sunbed salons across the country. Some had gone further and called on Government to restrict the use of coin-operated tanning equipment. Ian himself became interested in this area after attending a conference on Sunlight, Vitamin D and Health, held in the House of Commons in November 2005.
With the Government considering its policy options, the seminar sought to tackle the debate head-on. They discussed the argument for and against a regulatory system, as well as concerns over automated tanning studios. The seminar also examined current thinking on exposure to UV light.
This event brought to together both parliamentarians and other interested parties.
The speakers were Chris Bryant MP, (Lab) Rhondda, Hanne Priess, Managing Director, Consol Suncenter and Dr Oliver Gillie, Director, Health Research Forum. Also in attendance were Dr Ian Gibson MP (Chair), Ed Taylor, from the office of Ann Main MP (Con) St Albans, Sabine Behrendt, UV Power, Sarah Woolnough, Senior Policy Officer, Cancer Research UK, Rebecca Russell, Health Campaigns Manager, Cancer Research UK, Chris Bartlett, Editor, TanBiz, Janne Priess, Consol Suncenter plc and Sam Kirby, also from Consol Suncenter plc
Following the seminar, Dr Gibson has begun further investigation of the sunbed tanning industry, looking into the use of sunbeds in deprived areas and amongst under 16s. He is researching current licensing systems at a local level, with a view to establishing a viable universal regulatory framework.
Dr Gibson is also interested in helping to develop current research into the potentially beneficial effects of vitamin D enhancing tanning lamps. This is in light of work carried out by Oliver Gillie highlighting the need for government to revise its advice on vitamin D intake. Dr Gillie, who also attended the sunbed seminar, points to the growing evidence suggesting that most adults in the UK receive such low levels of vitamin D that they are at risk of all sorts of chronic diseases, including rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
For further information on the Sunlight, Vitamin D and Health Conference and Dr Gillie’s work, click here