Doctors have backed proposals to ban teenagers from using sunbeds in Northern Ireland.
The British Medical Association (BMA) threw its weight behind the plan unveiled by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.
The minister launched a public consultation on Thursday to prevent under-18s using sunbeds in commercial premises, or hiring them for use at home.
The blueprint would provide the first official regulation of tanning salons and could limit the number of sunbed sessions adults can take, while also forcing operators to inform clients of possible health risks.
The minister said: "There is a perception that sun-tanned skin or a bronzed body equates to health and beauty, and the use of sunbeds for tanning continues to increase in popularity.
"But it is important that people are aware of the potential risks associated with overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is emitted by sunbeds."
Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland Association Dr Paul Darragh welcomed the minister's proposals.
"Doctors are concerned about the rising incidences of skin cancer in Northern Ireland and the access that people have to sunbeds for cosmetic use," he said.
"We believe that there should be a thorough regulation of sunbed operators, and that tighter controls will have a positive impact on skin cancer prevention efforts".
Dr Darragh said using sunbeds once a month is enough to double an individual's annual dose of ultraviolet radiation.
The indoor tanning industry is not subject to any form of direct statutory regulation and there are no statutory age restrictions to protect children and young people.
In Northern Ireland, the incidence of malignant melanoma skin cancer cases has been increasing over the past 25 years, from around 80 recorded cases in 1984, to 233 in 2007.
The consultation will close in February 2010.
Sinn Fein MLA and deputy chair of the Assembly Health Committee, Michelle O'Neill, also backed the proposals.
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