The Sunbed Association fights back against new danger claims

The Sunbed Association (TSA) has disputed a statement from Cancer Research UK on an alleged cancer risk from sunbed use.

TSA said the study, which claimed that the skin cancer risk from sunbeds was more than double that of the Mediterranean midday summer sun, was two years out of date and that sunbeds were now safer.

The study tested levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from 400 sunbeds in England and found that nine out of ten emitted UV radiation at levels above British and EU standards. The average strength of radiation was approaching twice the recommended limit.

Gary Lipman, Chairman of The Sunbed Association said: ‘’The statistic quoted from CRUK about sunbed use and melanoma risk was taken from a report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) last year. Sunbeds are required to have a maximum UV output since 2009 (not 2003 as stated in CRUK’s release).

“The Sunbed Association (TSA) has been working since then to inform users on the UV emission levels change, and advise how to become and ensure compliance. All new sunbeds manufactured since April 1, 2009, have been compliant.’’

Lipman advised that sunbed users should check with their salon that the sunbed is 0.3 compliant, meaning UV emission levels are guaranteed to be no higher than the mid-day Mediterranean sun.

To read the original statement from, Cancer Research UK, click here or for more information on TSA's statement click here.