UK watchdog warns sunbed advertisers over health claims

The United Kingdom advertising watchdog has instructed sunbed businesses that they must not downplay the risk of skin cancer or make misleading health claims. As BBC News reported, the regulator warned that firms must not claim sunbeds can treat skin conditions or improve mental health. [1]

The enforcement action follows a BBC investigation earlier this year that identified hundreds of social media videos asserting that sunbeds could boost energy and treat mental health problems or skin issues. James Burnett, a compliance executive for the Committee of Advertising Practice, stated that advertisements must not downplay serious health risks or frame sunbed use as a health improvement. [1]

Indoor tanning devices emit ultraviolet radiation to produce a cosmetic tan and are commonly found in tanning salons, spas, gyms, hotels, and sporting facilities. Doctors and cancer charities state that these machines are linked to higher rates of skin cancers, including melanoma. According to BBC News, using a sunbed before turning 35 years old increases the risk of developing melanoma later in life by 59 percent. [1][2]