Tanning parlours ‘proven’ risk of skin cancer
The French health watchdog on Wednesday urged the government to follow the example of Australia and Brazil by banning sunbeds and tanning parlours because of the “proven” risk of skin cancer caused by exposure to artificial UV light.
“We recommend banning all activities linked to artificial tanning, along with ultraviolet sunlamps sold for aesthetic purposes,” Olivier Merckel, an expert at the Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, said.
Of the 10 722 cases of malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – reported among French adults over the age of 30 in 2015, 382 could be directly linked to the use of sunbeds and sunlamps, the agency estimated.
Skin specialists, the French academy of medicine, and some politicians have already spoken out in favour of a ban, but the French government so far has only tightened regulations.
France already bans those aged 18 and under from using commercial tanning parlours and has outlawed advertising for them.
A total ban is needed, Merckel said. “Scientific data is growing, there isn’t any doubt any more. We have solid proof. The risk of cancer is proven, we have figures on the risk to young people, to everyone, so now we’re calling for action from the authorities.”
People under the age of 35, who resort at least once to artificial tanning, increase the likelihood of developing skin melanoma by 59%, according to the agency.
Commercial tanning activity in France has already been halved since 2009, according to the national union of tanning professionals. – AFP