Daly says sunbeds are ‘cancer-causing machines’

A “calculated ban” on sunbeds has been called for by Dr. Martin Daly TD who says that  they are not cosmetic devices they are "cancer-causing machines." 

The Ballygar based doctor stressed that the science was clear and unforgiving. "Even a single sunbed session increases your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, basal cell carcinoma by 29%, and melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of cancer, by 20%," he warned.

“These figures should alarm anyone, but having spent years as a medical doctor, I can tell you those numbers stand out in any clinical field. Melanoma is not a slow-burning disease. Once it spreads, survival rates plummet,” he stressed.

“In Ireland, we’re far too relaxed about sun damage, that mindset has to change. The dangers are clear, especially with sunbeds. But to act effectively, we need the public on board. That’s why the consultation launched by Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor is not just welcome, it’s essential,” said Deputy Daly.

He added that  “any ban must have public buy-in if we’re serious about changing Ireland’s attitude to the sun once and for all”.

“We cannot regulate or legislate in the dark. We need accurate data on the extent of sunbed use, both in homes and in commercial settings. Public consultation is the only responsible way forward, because it brings people with us, rather than pushing them away.” 

According to the 2022 Healthy Ireland Survey, 18% of the Irish population report having used a sunbed at some point in their lives, with 3% using them either regularly or occasionally.

“What that means is that nearly one in five people in Ireland have increased their risk of developing skin cancer, some without even realising it. While it’s difficult to put an exact figure on it, treating these sunbed related cancers undoubtedly carries a significant cost to the taxpayer.

“We have a responsibility to legislate based on evidence, and the evidence could not be clearer. Allowing sunbeds to remain legal in Ireland, in full knowledge of the damage they cause, is a failure of public health policy.” 

Concluding Dr. Daly TD stated: “Let me be absolutely clear, this ban must happen. Not in five years. Not in ten. It must happen now. But we must do it right, with public understanding, with cultural awareness, and with a full grasp of the scale of the problem. This is about saving lives, plain and simple. And if we’re serious about that, we must start by banning sunbeds once and for all.”