Position Statement on the Use of Artificial Tanning Equipment

The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends that no person under the age of 18 use a tanning bed, endorsing the position of the World Health Organization (WHO).  The WHO states that “it is known that young people who get burnt from exposure to UV will have a greater risk of developing melanoma later in life, and recent studies demonstrate the direct link between the use of sunbeds and cancer.” [1] Further, the Canadian Dermatology Association recommends that indoor tanning be avoided by all people, not only people age 18 and younger.

With an estimated 5000 cases of melanoma and 75,100 cases of non-melanoma skin cancers in Canada as of 2009, the Canadian Dermatology Association encourages governments at all levels to pass legislation regulating the use of artificial tanning equipment,  and particularly to prohibit those under 18 years of age from using such equipment.  The Canadian Dermatology Association promotes and participates in efforts to increase public awareness of the hazards of artificial tanning through schools, governments and health professionals.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from sunlight exposure or from exposure to an artificial source, can damage the DNA in the nuclei of skin cells and can affect the ability of cells to repair the various forms of UV-induced DNA damage. Ultraviolet radiation, whatever the source, is a carcinogen, able to cause skin cancer.  There is no evidence to suggest that exposure to UV radiation from an artificial source is less harmful than exposure to the sun.  Regular use of tanning beds may cause photoaging of the skin as well as skin cancer. This can result in disfigurement from the treatment of skin cancers and premature death if a melanoma is not detected and treated early, as well as substantial health care costs for treating and monitoring skin cancer patients.

Exposure to ultraviolet B radiation, either from the sun or from an artificial source, does produce vitamin D in the skin.  However, exposure to artificial tanning equipment to increase vitamin D levels cannot be recommended, because there are alternative sources of vitamin D that do not increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

References:

1. The World Health Organization recommends that no person under 18 should use a sunbed, World Health Organization (WHO), Media Release, March 17 2005.
2. Artificial tanning sunbeds risks and guidance, World Health Organization, 2003.
3. Sunbed use in youth unequivocally associated with skin cancer, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Press Release, November 28 2006.
4. Greene A, Autier P, et al. The association of use of sunbeds with cutaneous malignant melanoma and other skin cancers: A systematic review International Journal of Cancer published online Nov 27 2006.

5. El Ghissassi F, Baan R, et al. A review of human carcinogens – Part D: radiation. Lancet Oncology 10: 751-752, 2009.

[1] The World Health Organization recommends that no person under 18 should use a sunbed, March 17 2005.

Approved by the CDA Board February 3, 2007
Reviewed November 2008
Updated July 2009