WHO warns teenagers off sunbeds

Sunbeds should not be used by under 18-year-olds, the World Health Organisation recommended yesterday, while stressing the importance of regulating the use of artificial tanning sunbeds.

"Young people who get burnt from exposure to ultra-violet (UV) rays have a greater risk of developing melanoma later in life and recent studies demonstrate the direct link between the use of sunbeds and cancer," it said.

Sunbeds are artificial tanning devices which, according to the WHO, claim to offer an effective, quick and harmless alternative to natural sunlight.

However, it said, there was growing evidence that the UV radiation emitted by the lamps used in solariums could damage the skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. The United Nations Environment Programme has estimated that about 200,000 malignant melanoma and over two million non-melanoma skin cancers occur annually around the globe. UV radiation can also have adverse effects on the eyes and the immune system. Malta has its own share of melanoma sufferers. Between 1993 and 2003 the disease claimed the lives of 51 people, while 258 new cases were reported over this period.

The organisation said that as long as sunbeds were available to the public, there was a need for guidelines or legislation to reduce the risks associated with their use. It is encouraging governments to formulate and enforce effective laws. The restriction of sunbeds' use by under 18-year-olds should be of highest regulatory priority, it said.

The WHO underlined that without trained staff and adequate health care advice, the potential of harm to the uninformed consumer was much greater. It said at present only few countries - including Belgium, France and Sweden - had legislation limiting the maximum proportion of UVB rays.

Contacted by The Times, Dermatology Department head Lawrence Scerri said that because there was so much sun in Malta, the use of sunbeds was not high; more people opted to go to the beach than use an artificial tanning sunbed. However, he agreed with the need for regulation of sunbeds.

Dr Scerri reiterated the danger of sun exposure to young people and said that one of the risk factors of melanoma and other skin cancers was sunburn and overexposure in childhood.