Foundation Against Cancer calls for ban on tanning salons

The Foundation Against Cancer has called on the government to ban tanning salons, after a report revealed that there is virtually no official scrutiny of the sector. Tanning salon operators described the call as “drastic”.

According to figures from the economy ministry requested by MP Els Van Hoof (CD&V), the number of inspections of tanning salons has halved over the last three years. In the 58 inspections that took place last year, only three salons were found to be operating in line with regulations.

The rules in force cover matter such as the intensity of UV lamps, the maintenance of lamps and filters, the quality of eye protection and the exclusion of minors and people with Type 1 skin – pale, fair and freckled, who never tan and always burn.

“Nobody knows at the moment exactly how many salons there are,” Van Hoof said and called for a system of mandatory registration.

The Foundation Against Cancer went one step further. Skin cancer specialist Brigitte Boonen, who works with the foundation, spoke on VRT radio about why a ban is needed. First, she said, the evidence that sunbeds can cause cancer is “overwhelming”. Belgium is among the leaders in Europe of sunbed use.

“Even if the regulations were being followed, which is not the case, the radiation from a sunbed would be equivalent to a factor 12,” said Boonen. Even at that low level, medical advice is to use sunscreen. The operators of tanning salons, in addition, selectively manipulate the research to their own ends, Boonen claimed.

The majority of cancer cases are caused by exposure to the sun, not sunbeds, argued Marc Debecker of tanning consultancy Vlaamse Zonneconsulenten. To call for a ban is “to take an elephant gun to shoot a gnat,” he said. Sunbeds are not in themselves dangerous, although exaggerated use of them can be, he said.

Federal consumer affairs minister Kris Peeters said he had met with both sides and assured them that the sector is being continually monitored. “Breaches of the rules will not be tolerated if it involves health risks,” he said.

photo: Ingimage