Sunbeds reclassified as cancer-causing
30 July 2009
The link between sunbeds and skin cancer has been convincingly shown in a number of scientific studies now and so we are pleased that IARC have upgraded sunbeds to the highest risk category. 
Jessica Harris, health information officer, Cancer Research UK
The use of sunbeds and other tanning devices has been raised to the highest cancer-causing risk category by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Tanning beds and sunlamps have been reclassified as a group 1 carcinogen. This means that they are "carcinogenic to humans" - that is, they can cause cancer. Previously, they were classed as group 2A - "probably carcinogenic to humans". Radiation from the sun was already classed as group 1.
Sunbeds emit ultraviolet (UV) rays - the same radiation that comes from the sun. This is split into UVA, UVB and UVC. Until recently it was thought that only UVB caused skin cancer. However, this report, published in medical journal The Lancet Oncology, states that UVA radiation - used in sunbeds - is also responsible for causing skin cancer.
The scientists, working for the World Health Organization (WHO), pointed out that many people living in developed countries, particularly young women, regularly use sunbeds. They found that starting to use a tanning device before the age of 30 can greatly increase the risk of developing skin cancer. There is also evidence to show a link with certain types of eye cancer.
Jessica Harris, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "The link between sunbeds and skin cancer has been convincingly shown in a number of scientific studies now and so we are pleased that IARC have upgraded sunbeds to the highest risk category."
She also called for a ban on using sunbeds for under-18s and for unmanned salons to be closed.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. Most people who develop the disease can be treated and cured, but certain, less common types can be more serious.
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As well as not using sunbeds, there are some simple steps that you can follow to protect your skin from UV radiation.
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