Compulsory Standards for Sunbed Operators

Compulsory Standards for Sunbed Operators

The Indoor Tanning Association of New Zealand inc. (INTANZ) supports the Consumer Magazine’s call for compulsory standards for sunbed operators. INTANZ supports any initiative that encourages New Zealanders to better understand sunlight (whether from the outdoor sun or a sunbed), and how they can best get the advantages of it while mitigating the risks.

It is estimated that only 5-8% of New Zealanders use a sunbed each year so somewhere between 92-95% of us only get UV exposure from the outdoor sun. Therefore, to better educate the public about the risks and benefits of UV exposure it makes no sense to focus on sunbeds alone. Rather, there needs to be better education of the benefits and risks of any sun exposure to help people make better decisions about their sun exposure – regardless of whether it is from a sunbed or the sun. It certainly makes no sense to place so much emphasis on ‘sunbeds’ when clearly over 90% of New Zealanders only ever get any UV exposure from the outdoor sun.

Some UV exposure is essential for good health for all people. This UV exposure can be attained by sensible exposure to either the outdoor sun (in summer – not winter) or by using a sunbed sensibly. Neither sunbeds nor the outdoor sun are a problem – provided they are used correctly.

More emphasis needs to be placed on the importance of avoiding sunburn – rather than avoiding sunlight or sunbeds. Rather than continuing to frighten people out of sunbeds – there needs to be more emphasis on using them properly as when used properly the health benefits of sunbeds are undeniable.

A recent study by Moan et al (from the University of Oslo, Haukeland University and University of Bergen) shows that sunbeds are a useful tool for significantly increasing Vitamin D level and even goes as far as suggesting that people should be encouraged to take sunbed sessions (provided they don’t burn) during winter to increase Vitamin D levels when the winter sun is not strong enough to do the job. This study proves that recent comments from local dermatologist Dr M. Rademaker that most sunbeds do not emit the right wavelengths of UV light to stimulate the synthesis of Vitamin D as categorically incorrect.

INTANZ would like to work with Health Authorities to improve sunlight education in New Zealand – both for indoor and outdoor sun exposure. There is also a need today to improve the balance in the discussion about the risks of sun exposure as the benefits are also becoming more and more evident every day.

ENDS

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