Appareils de bronzage emetteurs de rayonnements ultraviolets. Risques lies a leur utilisation

A popular vogue: Exposure to artificial ultraviolet irradiation (UVA) is particularly in vogue with young subjects, usually for an esthetic effect. UVA devices are installed in the home or in specialized shops (estheticians, hairdressers, self-service shops). The irradiance produced by such devices varies greatly and with some may even exceed exposure to sunlight. Some advertisements promise a beneficial effect for the skin and general health, an effect which is far from proven. There is no French regulation of this growing activity. Nocive effects: Safety of exposure to UVA has recently been questioned by epidemiological and experimental studies which suggest an explosion of skin tumors can be expected. To evaluate the risk and propose a basis for regulation, the public health authorities in France have created an interministerial working group whose report outlines the main cutaneous and ocular risks. Short term risks: The main cutaneous risks are skin burns and photosensitization as well as aggravation of skin diseases. Mid-term risks: Exposure to UVA can accelerrerate skin aging. Long-term risks: The risk of skin cancer is the main risk: exposure to UVA is involved in the initiation and promotion of experimental melanoma; exposure to UVA induces specific mutation in human and animal cells. Epidemiological studies show that exposure to moderate doses can double the risk of melanoma. Finally the interaction between exposure to UVA and subsequent exposure to sunlight can produce photoadditive effects. Recommendations: The study group discourages exposure to artificial ultraviolet light and proposes to prohibit its use by minors. A series of other measures designed to limit the risk of artificial sunlight and better inform users is proposed together with a regulation of UVA devices available to the public.