The Health Service Executive has warned of “growing concern” about misinformation on sunbeds, stating claims they are safe “are false, dangerous, and not supported by any medical evidence”.
The HSE has called on young people across the State to avoid using sunbeds due to the long-term health risks associated with their use.
Using sunbeds before the age of 35 greatly increases the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, with the risk rising further with repeated use.
There is growing concern about misleading content circulating on social media platforms, where some influencers promote sunbeds as a “safe” or “controlled” way to tan. However, these claims are false.
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Shirley Potter, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at St James’s Hospital in Dublin, said sunbeds are “not a safe alternative to natural sunlight”.
“The UV radiation they deliver is intense and harmful, and the damage accumulates over time. We are seeing more young people presenting with early signs of skin damage, and in some cases, skin cancers that could have been prevented. No tan is worth the long‑term risk," she said
Dr Breeda Neville, consultant in public health medicine at the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) said they are “increasingly concerned about misinformation online that downplays or denies the dangers of sunbeds”.
“Young people are being targeted with claims that are simply untrue. The science is clear: sunbeds increase your risk of cancer. We are asking parents, teachers and healthcare staff to help reinforce this message.”
Under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014, no person under 18 years of age can use a sunbed in a sunbed premises, sunbeds cannot be sold or hired to under-18s, certain marketing practices and health claims are not allowed, and warning notices are required.
Last month, a Government working group recommended a ban on commercial sunbeds on public health grounds.
