No safe exposure limit for UV radiation from sunbeds, concludes independent scientific committee of the EU

09/12/2016 News Europe , Policy 1939 Views
No safe exposure limit for UV radiation from sunbeds, concludes independent scientific committee of the EU

On 30 November, the European Commission and its Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) publish the final Opinion on the biological effects of ultraviolet radiation relevant to health with particular reference to sunbeds for cosmetic purposes.

Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR), including that emitted by sunbeds, is a complete carcinogen, since it can initiate and promote cancer.

Based on the available scientific evidence, the SCHEER concluded that exposure to UVR in the context of sunbed use is:

  • strongly associated with skin melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, especially when first exposure takes place at a younger age;
  • moderately associated with basal cell carcinoma and ocular melanoma;
  • responsible for a significant proportion of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer cases associated with early onset melanoma.

The SCHEER emphasised that there is no limit for exposure to UVR from sunbeds.

Furthermore, as the risks outweigh the benefits, there is no need to use sunbeds to induce vitamin D production.

The press release is available here.

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