Abstract

With concern the Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) has been observing the strong increase in cases of skin cancer. Both the aetiology and epidemiology of skin cancer indicate that UV exposures especially during childhood and adolescence represent a considerable risk factor for the generation of skin cancer in later life.

In particular in the statements of the Commission on Radiological Protection “Gesundheitliche Gefährdung durch UV-Exposition von Kindern und Jugendlichen – Health Risks Through UV Exposure of Children and Adoslescents” and “Nachhaltiger Schutz der Bevölkerung vor UV-Strahlung – Sustainable Protection of the Population From UV Radiation“, the SSK referenced the risks associated with adolescents using sunbeds and demanded a legal ban on using sunbeds for adolescents under the age of 18. With great concern the Commission on Radiological Protection states that this law could not be implemented so far. This regulation is necessary, even so as serious deficiencies can also be found in certified solaria. An examination initiated by BfS of 100 certified solaria at the end of last year (2008) showed that only 4 out of the 100 examined solaria fulfilled all criteria for keeping the certificate.

Against the background of the consolidated findings on considerable risks through UV radiation and the negative experiences gained in the past with the voluntary certification of solaria, the Commission on Radiological Protection, thus, developed the recommendation “Regulations Concerning the Use of Sunbeds”. In this recommendation, the SSK confirms its earlier recommendations and statements on the risks of natural and artificial UV radiation and recommends to immediately establish a regulation concerning the use of sunbeds. Among others, this regulation should include a ban of sunbed use by adolescents under the age of 18, the restriction of the sunbeds’ radiation level to < 0.3 W/m2, the development of an individual irradiation plan, the implementation of and compliance with the radiation protection criteria given in the "UV-Fibel" (UV Brochure) of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, and the restriction of the therapeutic use of UV radiation to clinical institutions and doctor’s surgeries. Furthermore, the SSK recommends that the regulations be monitored at close intervals and consequently.

The Commission on Radiological Protection passed the recommendation “Regulations Concerning the Use of Sunbeds” in its 233rd meeting on 19/20 March 2009.