A call has been made for a health probe into the pricing of sun screen lotions and cream in Northern Ireland.

South Belfast MP Dr. Alasdair McDonnell said that the “exorbitant” pricing structure of protective sun screen products was putting it beyond the financial threshold of most people from low income households.

“There is disturbing anecdotal evidence that when we are able to enjoy an increase in the levels of sunshine there is a corresponding increase in the price of essential protective sun screen products.

“It would appear that there are outlets and manufactures that are willing to exploit the increase in public awareness and dependency that children and adults alike have on those same lotions to protect them from the negative aspects of too much sunshine.”

Dr. McDonnell said that at the same time as implementing price levels that were too expensive for the majority of the public the manufacturer’s behind the products were continually warning about the dangers involved with too much sunshine.

“They continually indulge in slick awareness raising campaigns aimed at that same public. They stress the need to use their products while all the time that advice would seem to be built around making even more obscene profits.

“At best that could only be described as sharp trading practice. I would be prepared to go further and describe it as immoral exploitation at the expense of people’s health.

“We have to get away from the view that these products are some kind of top of the range cosmetic aids in order to allow them to be priced accordingly.

“The reality is that they are vital tools in protecting people from contracting lethal cancers.”

Dr. McDonnell said it was an accepted medical fact that individuals with the colouring and skin type predominant in the Celtic corridor of Western Europe were most at risk from skin cancers.

“Skin cancer accounts for one quarter of all cancers diagnosed in Northern Ireland. With over 200 people contracting the disease on an annual basis, it is the most common recorded form of cancer affecting the local population.

“And with at least 50 deaths on average it is unacceptable that a vital basic protective product is being put out of the reach of so many simply because of corporate greed,” Dr. Mc Donnell said.

ENDS

29-07-10