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Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Jan 2010

Vol. 200 No. 2

Cancer Incidence.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for enabling me to raise this most important issue, the relationship between sunbeds and the significant rise in the incidence of cancer, in particular melanomas. I might encapsulate it in one sentence. Legislation was promised to ban the use of sunbeds by people under 18 years, but particularly by those aged under 16. In 2006 a regulation was outlined regarding the latter group. In 2008 a regulation was made regarding the use of sunbeds by people under the age of 18 years.

One would be scared by what is now available. When one goes to rent a video tape or DVD at some of the big locations, one can get a tan at the same time. The necessary regulations are not in place, which means there is no foresight regarding safe levels of radiation. While we all know there are advances in technology, the reality is that radiation levels are increasing. Those who operate these systems are not necessarily aware of what is going on.

Again, to put it in one sentence, there was to be legislation, dating from 2006. There was a public consultation process in 2008. However, there is now an indication that there will not be any advances made under 2011 on the promised legislation. If that is the case, we are putting the lives of many at risk. It is vital that this legislation be introduced, given the increased availability of and access to sunbeds and the increase in the incidence of skin cancer. The latest data show that the incidence of skin cancer of all types, including melanoma, increased dramatically, in the order of almost 75%, in the ten-year period from 1997 to 2007. The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide. This shows why legislation on the use of sunbeds is needed. The number of melanoma cases in Ireland has increased by more than 66% in the past ten years. According to the latest data, there were 667 new cases of malignant melanoma in 2007. Friends of mine died from this cancer. A small lump or bump can look so innocent but what it could do is scary. If people discover lumps and bumps early enough, they are able to survive but a significant number of people are affected by this issue.

Although the association between sunbed use and skin cancer can be difficult to prove, what is certain is that such use is increasing and that the available tanning devices are more powerful than they were even a decade ago. Research published in 2009 by the International Agency for Research and Cancer, IARC, found there was a 75% increase in the risk of developing cutaneous melanoma when people began using tanning beds regularly before the age of 30 years. A ban on the use of sunbeds by those under 18 years would recognise that burns early in life are particularly dangerous and that young people might not understand or ignore the risks. These concerns apply equally to adults. The IARC's assessment was that the health warning on the use of sunbeds should be upgraded. It finds they can be as carcinogenic as cigarettes. That is a statement that should not and cannot be ignored. It is also reported that lax operating procedures by tanning salons increase the risk. It is clear regulation is needed as a matter of urgency.

It seems any individual with no qualifications or experience can open a tanning salon. There are no regulatory restrictions on the type of equipment that can be purchased. The IARC in its research conducted in the United Kingdom found that 25% of the salons surveyed had beds with radiation levels intended for medical use only. The operators did not know the levels of ultraviolet radiation emitted. The Irish Cancer Society stated firmly to me that it was its experience that the position in Ireland was no different.

In June 2006, following publication of the cancer control strategy in Ireland, the Minister for Health and Children announced that legislation to ban persons under 16 years from using sunbeds would be introduced. In 2008 there was a public consultation process and submissions were received. Although the legislation was progressing well in 2009, it seems it has now stalled. That is why I decided to submit this Adjournment matter.

Many believe that because in foreign climes we expose ourselves to sunlight lying on a sunbed for a while it will provide some protection. That is not true. Many think that because they use sunbeds they do not need protection when they expose themselves to sunlight abroad. That is not true either. Regarding vitamin D deficiency, people are told that if they use a sunbed, they will absorb increased levels of vitamin D. They should be aware that they can absorb it better through their diet. The practice of bringing a source of intense ultraviolet radiation to within six inches of a person's skin must also be questioned as a matter of urgency.

This is not a sunny period. Many people probably went abroad over the Christmas to revive their tans naturally. Everybody knows the dangers of natural sunlight but it is a fact that people will maintain their tan until their next holiday by using sunbeds. It is one thing if these are regulated but another matter if they are not. Many people should not be near them at all. I hope there will be good news in the Minister's reply with regard to expediting this legislation.

I am replying on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Mary Harney, Minister for Health and Children. I thank Senator Keaveney for raising this matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to the House the current state of play with regard to the proposed legislation relating to sunbed use.

In June 2006, A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland recommended that "regulation of sunbed use, including restriction to use by adults only, should be put in place". The Department of Health and Children has researched this topic and sourced national and international research on the dangers associated with sunbed use. In addition, the Department has consulted with interested parties and conducted a public consultation on the matter.

In this context the Minister intends to introduce the following measures, subject to Government approval: prohibiting the use of sunbeds by those under 18 years of age; introducing measures relating to the sale or hire of sunbeds; banning commercial sunbed use where such a facility is unsupervised; requiring the placing of warning signs in prominent places on premises where sunbed services are offered to the public; requiring the placing of warning labels on sunbeds, whether for sale or use on business premises; requiring proprietors of sunbed businesses offering sunbed services to register with the HSE; introducing enforcement provision to enable inspections to be carried out and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance; and allowing exemptions in respect of the use of sunbeds for medical use.

It was during the course of last year that the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, which is an expert body under the World Health Organisation, WHO, reclassified sunbed use as a group one carcinogen. This higher risk classification places sunbed use on a par with cigarette smoking. The Department will take this development fully into account in the consideration of the measures it proposes to introduce. The Minister's overriding priority is to prohibit the use of sunbeds by those under 18 years of age.

Prior to the introduction of this legislation, Ireland must comply with the EU transparency directive, which requires member states to notify the EU of draft legislation which might be a technical barrier to trade. It should also be noted that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has responsibility for product safety matters generally, which includes appliances for skin exposure to ultraviolet and infra-red radiation, in other words, tanning appliances. Discussions between the two Departments to consider product safety matters arising in the context of the proposed legislation have been initiated.

The progression of the legislation in this area is continuing and will include a final round of consultations with interested parties, finalisation of the regulatory impact assessment and preparation of the draft legislation. The Minister thereafter intends to bring a memorandum to Government for approval.

I thank the Minister. Perhaps she would convey to the Department the wish of Members and the various cancer societies that this legislation be progressed in 2010 and not long-fingered. I understand that procedures must be followed but if it is expedited, it will save lives and that is most important.

I have raised the matter personally with the Minister as well. We are pursuing it.

The Seanad adjourned at 3.45 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 26 January 2010.
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