Brussels, 06/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 July, the European Commission published an opinion of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) on the use of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) devices such as tanning lamps and sunbeds, which confirms the risks related to the use of such devices. The Commission has announced very measures to combat this risk as a result.
Scientists recommend that people with known risk factors for skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma, should not use UVR tanning devices. Risk factors are: (i) skin phenotypes I and II and the presence of freckles, (ii) multiple and/or atypical moles; and (iii) a family history of melanoma. Risk of melanoma seems to be particularly high when using sunbeds at a young age. Thus, UVR tanning devices should not be used by individuals under 18 years of age.
The Commission will be studying the opinion and examining possible measures that could be taken, both legislative and non-legislative. It considers it is a high first priority to inform consumers about the recommendations of the report, and is contacting consumer organisations and Member State authorities to this effect. The Commission will be preparing a guidance fiche in all official EU languages with the cooperation of the European Dermatologists Association to raise public awareness on risks and guide consumers in recognising whether they are at risk.
The Commission will ask that the relevant standard (EN 60335-2-27: 1997) be amended taking into account the recommendations made including those concerning irradiance. European harmonised standards are developed by the European Standardisation Organisations and the Commission request to change the standard will follow under the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, which sets the health and safety objectives for sunbeds.
The Scientific Committee's Opinion can be found at: http: //ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/ 04_sccp/sccp_cons_03_en.htm