The World Health Organisation has recommended that no one under the age of 18 should use an artificial tanning sunbed. It highlights that sunbed use poses a risk of skin cancer and young people who get burnt from exposure to UV will have greater chances of developing melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) later in life.
Worldwide, there are an estimated 66 000 deaths from malignant melanoma and other skin cancers annually. These figures continue to rise: in Norway and Sweden, the annual incidence rate for melanoma is estimated to have more than tripled in the last 45 years. Growth in the use of sunbeds is considered to be the prime reasons behind this fast growth in skin cancers.
At present, only a few countries have effective regulations on the use of sunbeds. Belgium, France and Sweden have legislation, limiting the maximum proportion of UV-B (the most dangerous component of UV radiation) in the UV output. In France all UV radiation-emitting appliances must be declared to the health authority, minors under the age of 18 are banned from their use and any claim of health benefit is forbidden.
– WHO webiste on UV radiation
– Webiste of INTERSUN – the Global UV Project
– WHO brochure “Artificial tanning sunbeds: risk and guidance”