Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cancer Incidence.

John Dennehy

Question:

270 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on reports that the regular use of sun beds can more than double the risk of cancer; if he has satisfied himself that regulations in this regard are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4723/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the recent report of a study in the United States, as reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on 6 February 2002. In this new and fairly small study, the authors concluded that people using tanning devices had 2.5 times the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. Adjustment for history of sunburns, sunbathing and sun exposure did not affect the results.

I have been advised that in general, the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer is related to total UV dose, so although this article does not give any data on dose, the risk will depend on the amount of use of sunbeds. There has been very little measurement of the extra amount that sunbeds contribute to lifelong UV exposure, however the assumption seems to be that a few hours on a sun bed does not significantly contribute to life time UV. Melanoma, on the other hand, is related to sunburn at younger ages and would only relate to the use of sun beds when such use had actually caused burning. The conclusion seems to be that sunbeds probably increase cancer risk in the same way that sun exposure does, but the precise amount depends on the length of exposure and whether or not burning took place.

Existing consumer legislation sets standards for tanning equipment and requires appropriate warning notices to be displayed on the equipment. I am advised that no licence or medical training is required to operate one. I have no plans to introduce stricter controls in this area.

With regard to use of sunbeds the advice from my Department is that sunbeds should be used in moderation and that people should seek the advice of their doctor before doing so for the first time. In certain circumstances, exposure to sunbeds may constitute a hazard. Sunbeds should not be used by persons under 18 years of age, persons who burn easily or tan poorly, those taking drugs or cosmetics thought to be photoactive, those suffering from skin disorders induced or aggravated by exposure to sunlight, those with a history of skin cancer, and those with risk factors for cutaneous melanoma. A consumer information sheet on possible risks from tanning equipment and the appropriate precautions is available from the Irish Cancer Society.

Sunbeds are widely used in beauty salons by beauty therapists who offer cosmetic tanning as part of their services. Guidelines on the use of sunbeds by beauty therapists in beauty salons were drawn up by the Society of Applied Cosmetology which represents beauty therapists. These guidelines incorporate advice from the Irish Cancer Society on appropriate precautions to be taken by sunbed operators to protect the health of clients. The health promotion unit in my Department supports a range of initiatives organised by the Irish Cancer Society which impact on awareness of the risk factors associated with many cancers including melanomas. A Sunsmart campaign is organised each year by the society to increase awareness of risk factors for skin cancer and to encourage people who are high risk to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and to avoid the use of sunbeds.