Call to ban tanning beds

A Cork TD has called for an outright ban on tanning beds.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West Christopher O’Sullivan made the call amid a new report on identifying signs of skin cancer.

The report, published the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) Cork explored beliefs, behaviours and attitudes towards tanning, as well as confidence levels in identifying signs of melanoma within the Irish population.

He said: “The evidence is overwhelming. UV exposure from sunbeds is a major health hazard, contributing to skin cancer and other serious conditions.

“We cannot afford to ignore the science any longer—tanning beds must be banned outright.”

He added: “Australia took the step in 2016 to ban commercial tanning beds and it is long past time we followed suit.”

The call for a ban coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014.

Despite this legislation, the use of unregulated tanning products and misleading social media advertising continues to pose significant threats to public health, the deputy said.

Deputy O’Sullivan, who raised the matter during Taoiseach’s Questions in the Dáil on Tuesday, also stressed the importance of addressing the rampant advertising of harmful, unregulated tanning products on social media platforms.

He explained: “It is unacceptable that dangerous products are being marketed to young people online.

“We need to double down on enforcing regulations and shutting down these illegal activities.

“Banning sunbeds and cracking down on sham tanning products are critical steps to prevent further harm.

“We must prioritise health and safety,” concluded Deputy O’Sullivan.

An Taoiseach Simon Harris, in response, said he agreed with Deputy O’Sullivan about the dangers of sunbeds while adding that he would be supportive of taking more action.

The SIVUH study was conducted by first authors Dr Catriona Gallagher and Dr Cathal O’Connor and senior author Prof. Michelle Murphy.

Dr Gallagher emphasised the gravity of this result, noting that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland.

She added: “Many deaths from skin cancer are preventable with early treatment.

“Our public health campaigns on sun protection must prioritise increasing awareness of signs of skin cancer and the importance of examining our own skin.”

She continued: “Signs of skin cancer include moles that have changed colour, shape, or size, as well as any new lumps or bumps that have grown quickly, with bleeding or crusting.”

The study highlighted that despite awareness of the dangers of tanning and its link to skin cancer, nearly half of sunbathers believed it was worth getting sunburned to achieve a tan.

Also, two in three reported feeling and looking better with a tan.

Dr Gallagher said: “Changing these deeply ingrained cultural and social beliefs remains a significant challenge for melanoma prevention efforts.

“Our public health campaigns need a multifaceted approach to shift public perception of tanned skin from a sign of beauty to a sign of skin damage.”

This study is the largest of its kind in Ireland, with over 1,000 respondents, and was nationally representative for gender, age, and geographic region.