The Commerce Commission has warned sunbed operators and distributors not to make false and misleading claims about the health benefits and risks of sunbed use.

The warning is a result of a complaint lodged by Consumer NZ and the Cancer Society earlier this year.

While investigating the complaint, the Commission asked a senior dermatologist to provide an assessment of the benefits and risks of sunbed use. The assessment concluded that UVB light was carcinogenic and there was increasing evidence that UVA light penetrated the skin more deeply and could lead to skin cancer.

Other risks of exposure to UV light through sunbed use included photo-ageing of the skin, and eye damage. The assessment also advised that the light in modern sunbeds was not healthier than natural sunlight and there is no evidence that tanning on a sunbed provides natural protection against sunburn.

The Commission has written to around 280 operators and distributors informing them of their obligations under the Fair Trading Act. While no further action is being taken, the Commission said it may reconsider enforcement options if the industry continues to make false or misleading claims.

Consumer is pleased with the action taken by the Commission. We have been campaigning on this issue for many years and would like to see sunbed operators regulated to protect consumers and ensure they aren’t lulled into a false sense of security about the safety and health benefits of sunbeds.

More from consumer.org.nz

• Sunbeds - our mystery shopper survey of sunbed operators
• Consumer wins Press Council complaint - a complaint by the Indoor Tanning Association was not upheld
• Fair Trading Act - our guide to your rights

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