UV and sunbeds

This section is intended for public health specialists, operators and users of sunbeds and anyone interested in managing the risks of sunbed use. The main purpose is to provide links to resources which could assist them in their work.  Suggestions for additional links can be emailed to info@emfservices.co.nz. 

Managing the risks from sunbed use

The New Zealand Ministry of Health has prepared a revised version of its Guidelines for operators of UV tanning lamps to assist commercial operators comply with AS/NZS 2635:2008 Solaria for cosmetic purposes.  This is currently in draft form pending the possible development of regulatory controls.

New Zealand resources and information

• The Health Promotion Agency's Sunsmart website

• Worksafe NZ guide to protecting workers from solar UV

• Shining a light on sunbeds - a research project undertaken by the Wellington School of Medicine to investigate attitudes of new Zealand youth to sunbed use and tanning.

• Consensus statement on Vitamin D and sun exposure in New Zealand

• Ministry of Health information on sunbeds and solaria

• In 2011, the Commerce Commission cautioned sunbed operators and distributors not to overstate the benefits and understate the risks of sunbed use.

• Since 2012, Public Health Units have visited commercial sunbed operators in New Zealand every six months to ensure that they are aware of the operating practices recommended in AS/NZS 2635:2008, and have materials and information available to help them follow these practices.  Reports on these visits are available.

Overseas resources

• The WHO has a section on its website covering UV and the Intersun programme, and has published a booklet on sunbeds.  The WHO has also established a database of sunbed legislation around the world.

• IARC published a working group report on risk of skin cancer and exposure to artificial UV in 2006, and classified UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic in 2009.

• The UK National Health Service has published advice on the use of sunbeds by pregnant women.

• The Australian Cancer Council has a Wiki on Skin Cancer Statistics and Issues, which includes sections on sunbeds, Vitamin D and tanning.

• Health Canada has guidelines for sunbed operators, which contains good background information about the tanning process and effects of UV exposure, and medications which can sensitise the skin to the effects of UV.

Legislation

Legislation in New Zealand

• A prohibition on the use of commercial sunbeds by under-18s (see clauses 113 - 116) came into force on 4 January 2017.   

• The Auckland Council Health and Hygiene bylaw requires registration of sunbed operators in the Auckland area and specifies a Code of Practice which they must follow.

Overseas legislation

• A database of sunbed legislation around the world is now available online.  Craig Sinclair of the Cancer Council Victoria initiated this list, and his work is gratefully acknowledged. Please send an email with any updates and corrections to uv@emfservices.co.nz.   

• See also the WHO database on sunbed legislation.