Sunbed Association responds to Skin Cancer UK’s call for further sunbed legislation
On Friday 5 April, 2024, Gary Lipman, Chairman of The Sunbed Association (TSA), responded to Skin Cancer UK’s recent call for additional sunbed legislation.
Lipman addressed the issue of UV exposure and its regulation, stating that professional sunbed use is already well-regulated in the UK. He emphasized that this level of regulation is not seen in exposure to natural sunlight, leading to higher incidence levels of burning and an increased risk of melanoma.
He highlighted the current regulations in place for professional sunbeds, including a prohibition on use by individuals under 18 years old, a British Standard for maximum UV output, guidance on the maximum number of sessions per year, and a requirement for appropriate protective eyewear. He also pointed out that there is a British Standard for sunbed salon staff training and many areas in the UK require a license to operate a professional sunbed.
In addition to these regulations, Lipman discussed The Sunbed Association’s Code of Practice, which requires trained staff to screen customers for any contra-indications to tanning. This ensures that only individuals who are able to tan have access to sunbeds. Staff also provide customers with information and advice on responsible tanning, and tanning sessions are recorded to prevent over-exposure and burning.
Lipman recommended using a sunbed in one of The Sunbed Association’s member salons, which can be found on their website: sunbedassociation.org.uk.
Lipman also addressed the claims made by Skin Cancer UK, stating that they have been repeatedly refuted as inaccurate, outdated, and disingenuous by The Sunbed Association. He examined each claim individually and provided evidence to counter them.
Regarding the claim that sunbed use increases the risk of melanoma, Lipman explained that this is primarily based on an IARC report from 2006, which analyzed existing survey-based studies rather than clinical studies. He further elaborated that the risk is significantly higher for medical use of sunbeds, which are not regulated in the same way as professional sunbeds.
Lipman also disputed the claim that sunbeds kill approximately 100 people each year in the UK, stating that there is no evidence of actual fatalities and the number is based on assumptions only.
He also addressed the claim that there are 46 new cases of melanoma diagnosed each day in the UK, stating that there is no empirical research demonstrating a causal link between responsible sunbed use and melanoma.
Regarding the claim that sunbeds emit up to 15 times more UVA than the sun, Lipman referenced British Standard 60335-2-27, which requires a maximum UV output of 0.3W/m2 for professional sunbeds, equivalent to the UV level of the Mediterranean summer sun for a 12-minute session.
Lipman also clarified the statement that sunbeds are banned in Australia, Brazil, and Iran, stating that while salon use is banned in Australia, home use is not, leading to uncontrolled and underground use of sunbeds.
Finally, he addressed the claim that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared sunbeds as dangerous as smoking, explaining that sunbeds were added to the Group 1 list of carcinogens in 2009, without any new scientific evidence. He emphasized that this group includes substances with varying levels of risk and does not indicate the size of the risk itself.
In conclusion, Lipman reiterated the importance of responsible tanning and the regulations in place for professional sunbed use in the UK. For media inquiries, Gilly Perkins can be contacted at 07850 319359 or gillperkins@sunbedassociation.org.uk.
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