HSE Warns of Serious Cancer Risk from Sunbed Use

The Health Service Executive has issued a stark reminder today that sunbeds pose serious health risks, with even a single session increasing the likelihood of developing skin cancer.

As winter temperatures drop, the HSE is warning people across Ireland about the dangers of sunbeds. Research shows that sunbeds emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that damage DNA in skin cells, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifying them as carcinogenic to humans, placing them in the same category as tobacco and asbestos.

There is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds. Using a sunbed even once increases cancer risk, with particularly high danger for young people. Research demonstrates that people who have used a sunbed before age 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, by 75%.

Beyond cancer risk, sunbeds cause eye damage including cataracts, sunburn and premature skin ageing, making skin appear coarse, leathery and wrinkled.

Skin cancer remains the most common and fastest growing cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed each year.

Prof Anne Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist at Tallaght University Hospital, said:

"In my clinic as a Consultant Dermatologist I see a lot of patients with skin cancer and it accounts for the major part of my work. Melanoma skin cancer is increasing, and is the most dangerous form of skin cancer as it can spread to other organs in the body. For many cancers, we see most people being diagnosed 50 years or older. However with melanoma it can cause illness and death at a much younger age among people in their 30s and 40s."

Dr Breeda Neville, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at HSE's National Cancer Control Programme, warned about misleading information on social media platforms.

Dr Neville said:

"There is so much misleading misinformation spreading all over social media platforms like TikTok. All sunbed users are at risk. Tanned skin is damaged skin, and there is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds. It is never ok to use sunbeds. You can't always see the damage that UV rays cause, as it builds up slowly, but every time you use a sunbed you are damaging your skin, increasing the risk of skin damage such as sunburn, wrinkles, and pigmentation, and increasing your risk of skin cancer."

The HSE has clarified several common misconceptions about sunbed use. Sunbed tanning is not safer than sun tanning, with most sunbeds in Europe emitting UV radiation at levels equivalent to midday tropical sun. Some sunbeds emit UV radiation with an intensity equivalent to a UV index above 11, meaning extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Contrary to popular belief, sunbeds are not a reliable or safe source of vitamin D. Many emit only UVA radiation, which does not produce Vitamin D, and those emitting UVB radiation provide too little to significantly boost vitamin D levels. People with low vitamin D levels should instead consult their GP about dietary changes or supplements.

Sunbeds are also not recommended to treat skin conditions. They are neither effective nor safe for conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. Anyone with skin conditions should speak to their GP about a referral to a dermatologist for proper medical advice.

The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme is supporting the Dangers of Sunbeds Awareness campaign to raise public awareness that sunbeds increase cancer risk, a danger that can be avoided by not using them.

For more information, visit the HSE SunSmart hub.