HSE and Pavee Point Warn of Serious Health Risks from Sunbeds and Melanotan

The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Pavee Point have launched a new SunSmart resource aimed at raising awareness of the serious health risks associated with sunbed use and the unregulated tanning product Melanotan, with a particular focus on the Traveller community.

The resource, titled 'Pavees stay safe: Dangers of Sunbeds and Melanotan', has been developed jointly by both organisations and is available for free download from healthpromotion.ie. It will also be distributed through HSE and community networks, including Pavee Point.

Mary Brigid Collins, Coordinator of Pavee Point Primary Health Care Project, and Dr Lynsey Kavanagh, Co-Director of Pavee Point, said:

"We are delighted that we have worked in partnership with the NCCP over the past number of years, as we do with many other services. Given that the Traveller Community Health Workers on the ground have seen huge increases in the use of sunbeds, tanning injections, nasal drops and nasal sprays we felt that it was important we develop an information leaflet on this. We hope this will educate both Traveller men and women on the dangers of sunbeds and other dangerous, illegal tanning products."

New research, led by UCD in partnership with Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, found that 92% of Travellers identified UV radiation from sunbeds as a cancer risk factor, reflecting a high level of awareness of the dangers associated with sunbed use. The same study found that 85% identified unprotected sun exposure and 78% identified getting sunburnt as further factors that increase cancer risk.

Dr Breeda Neville, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE NCCP, said:

"Skin cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in Ireland. UV radiation from sunbeds is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the same category as tobacco smoke and asbestos. Using sunbeds significantly increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, the most dangerous form."

Dr Neville added:

"This new leaflet, co-designed with Pavee Point, aims to empower everyone with clear, evidence-based information, particularly young people and communities that may be at higher risk, about the harms of sunbeds and unregulated tanning substances like Melanotan. The leaflet is part of the ongoing NCCP Dangers of Sunbeds awareness campaign, which highlights evidence-based health information and practical advice to protect skin health and reduce the risk of skin cancer."

Melanotan (Melanotan II) is an unlicensed tanning accelerator widely promoted on social media. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) reports serious health concerns related to its use, including unintended skin changes and other adverse effects. Health authorities emphasise there is no safe way to use a sunbed, as all exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds causes DNA damage to skin cells, increasing cancer risk.

The SunSmart 5 S's are recommended as a safe alternative: slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses. The leaflet forms part of ongoing efforts under the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023–2026.

For more information, visit hse.ie.