HSE reminds people of the dangers of sunbeds

As temperatures drop this winter season, people may turn to sunbeds in search of a tan. However, research shows that sunbeds emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the DNA in skin cells.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies sunbeds as carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to humans placing them in the same category as tobacco and asbestos.

There is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds, so using a sunbed even once increases your risk of cancer. The risk is particularly high for young people. Research shows that people who have used a sunbed before the age of 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) by 75%.

In addition to causing skin cancer, sunbeds can cause eye damage, including cataracts, sunburn and premature skin aging, making skin look coarse, leathery and wrinkled.

Skin cancer is the most common and fastest growing cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases each year.

Prof Anne Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist at Tallaght University Hospital says:

‘‘In my clinic as a Consultant Dermatologist I see a lot of patients with skin cancer and it accounts for the major part of my work. Melanoma skin cancer is increasing, and is the most dangerous form of skin cancer as it can spread to other organs in the body. For many cancers, we see most people being diagnosed 50 years or older. However with melanoma it can cause illness and death at a much younger age among people in their 30s and 40s.’’

Dr Breeda Neville, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE’s NCCP says:

“There is so much misleading misinformation spreading all over social media platforms like TikTok. All sunbed users are at risk. Tanned skin is damaged skin, and there is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds. It is never ok to use sunbeds. You can’t always see the damage that UV rays cause, as it builds up slowly, but every time you use a sunbed you are damaging your skin, increasing the risk of skin damage such as sunburn, wrinkles, and pigmentation, and increasing your risk of skin cancer”.

Important facts about sunbeds

Sunbed tanning is not safer than sun tanning

Getting a tan from a sunbed is not safer than getting a tan from being outdoors, even if done gradually. Neither are safe and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Most sunbeds in Europe emit UV radiation at levels equivalent to midday tropical sun. Some sunbeds can emit UV radiation with an intensity equivalent to a UV index of >11 which means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Sunbeds are not a reliable or safe source of vitamin D

Many sunbeds emit only UVA radiation, which does not produce Vitamin D, and those that do emit UVB radiation emit too little to significantly boost vitamin D levels. Sunbeds are not a reliable or safe source of vitamin D. If you have a low level of vitamin D, you can achieve a sufficient level through your diet or by taking vitamin D supplements.

Sunbeds are not recommended to treat skin conditions

Sunbeds are not effective or recommended to treat any skin conditions as they are unsafe and they do not work. Sunbed use is strongly linked to melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If you have a skin condition such as acne, eczema or psoriasis, talk to your GP about a referral to a dermatologist who can properly advise you.