Sunbed ads banned from claiming they are safe or treat conditions

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 12 Nov, 00:26 · Archive

Advertising watchdogs have banned sunbed advertisements from claiming the devices are safe or can treat medical conditions.

The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP), sister organisation to the Advertising Standards Authority, has issued an enforcement notice against sunbed advertisers making misleading health and safety claims. The watchdog said it must "send a clear message to the industry that advertisers mustn't downplay the risks associated with sunbed use or present it as a route to better health".

The CAP has identified numerous false health claims in sunbed advertisements, including that they could ease eczema symptoms, improve brain function, fight inflammation and boost blood circulation. In January, the Advertising Standards Authority already banned five ads which claimed sunbeds could help treat or manage conditions such as psoriasis, osteoporosis and depression.

The NHS and Cancer Research UK have long advised that there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan using UV radiation. The NHS warns specifically that UV rays from sunbeds increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

James Burnett, senior compliance executive at the CAP, said: "Sunbeds carry serious health risks, including an increased risk of skin cancer. Ads shouldn't downplay those risks or present sunbed use as a way to improve health." He added that the enforcement notice makes clear advertisers must not link sunbed use to health benefits or suggest sunbeds are safe.

Advertisers have until 7 December to review their claims and remove any that breach the rules. The CAP said it will use an AI-based monitoring system to identify ads that continue to break the rules and will take swift action against rule breakers.

How it is being reported

• Sunbed firms must not downplay cancer risk, says watchdogThe advertising watchdog says they also must not make misleading claims that sunbeds can treat skin conditions or improve mental health.BBC News · 12 Nov, 00:13
• Sunbed adverts face crackdown over misleading health and safety claimsThe ASA previously banned five ads which made claims that sunbeds could help treat or manage conditions such as psoriasis, osteoporosis and depressionThe Independent · 12 Nov, 00:01
• Ads for sunbeds must not claim they are ‘safe’ or can treat medical conditionsThe NHS warns that the UV rays given out by sunbeds increase the risk of developing skin cancer.Evening Standard · 12 Nov, 00:01
• Ads for sunbeds must not claim they are ‘safe’ or can treat medical conditionsThe NHS warns that the UV rays given out by sunbeds increase the risk of developing skin cancer.Independent Business · 12 Nov, 00:01

In this story: Committee of Advertising Practice · Advertising Standards Authority · NHS · Cancer Research UK · James Burnett

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