The Consumer and Competition Division, within the Competitiveness and Communications Ministry, yesterday warned against the use of ultra-violent radiation devices such as tanning lamps and sunbeds, which are usually used to achieve and maintain cosmetic tanning, due to the increased risk of skin cancer.

The division, referring to a recent European Commission warning, said that scientists highly recommend that people with known risk factors, such as skin with high sunburn susceptibility; no or poor tanning ability; the presence of freckles; atypical and/or multiple moles; or a family history of cancer should not use tanning devices for cosmetic purposes.

The EC also said that individuals under 18 years of age should not use sunbeds and tanning lamps since the risk of skin cancer is higher when these devices are used at a young age.

The European Commission has advised the sunbed industry to ensure that appropriate warnings and instructions are provided with sunbeds to reduce the risks of consumers developing related skin cancer.

The Commissioner responsible for health and consumer protection policy, Markos Kyprianou, stated that indiscriminate use of these tanning devices for cosmetic purposes could lead to an increased incidence of skin cancer. It was therefore of utmost importance that the public was aware of the risks associated with sunbeds.

Consumers should also be informed and guided how to recognize whether or not they have any of the above-mentioned risk factors.

The Consumer and Competition Division, within the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications, appeals to the public and the sunbed industry to be conscious and well informed about these risks.