Sunbeds declared carcinogenic
August 13, 2009 by Jo
The International Agency for research on Cancer (IARC) has upgraded their warning on sunbeds from ‘probably carcinogenic” to “carcinogenic to humans” last week. The IARC comes under the umbrella of the World Health Organisation.
WHO made an analysis of over twenty studies and placed sunbeds in the highest risk category alongside cigarettes.
It is yet to be seen if this official recognition of the risks of using UV emitting tanning devices will change consumer behaviour or their use of sunbeds or their belief that being tanned is desirable.
Tanning beds have received bad press for some time but continue to be popular worldwide, there is certainly no lack of them in Australia. The same age group that use sunbeds is also the most susceptible – WHO also found that there is a 75% risk for those under 30 to get skin cancer.
WHO has in the past suggested tanning beds shouldn’t be used at all for those under 18.
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