Solarium

Solariums generate strong ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation) to tan customers' skin. According to the World Health Organisation, it has been proven that such radiation can cause cancer, premature skin ageing and, in severe cases, burns.

How a solarium works

A solarium, also known as a UV cabin or tanning bed, is a device designed to artificially reproduce the effects of the sun on the skin. It works thanks to special lamps that emit ultraviolet (UV) rays, mainly UVA and, in some cases, a small percentage of UVB. These rays are directed towards the body through reflectors and filters, ensuring even exposure. The person lies down or stands inside the cabin for a limited time, generally between five and twenty minutes, depending on skin type and the intensity of the device.

Tanning process

Tanning, whether natural or artificial, is a defence reaction of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays. When exposed to such radiation, the skin activates two mechanisms. On the one hand, UVA rays cause rapid oxidation of the melanin already present in the cells, inducing immediate but short-lived tanning. On the other hand, UVB rays stimulate melanocytes – cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis – to produce new melanin. This melanin gradually rises to the skin's surface, resulting in a more intense and longer-lasting tan. Through this process, the skin is able to offer partial protection against the harmful effects of the sun.

Differences between artificial and natural tanning

However, there are significant differences between tanning obtained in a solarium and natural tanning obtained through exposure to the sun. The rays emitted by a solarium are mainly UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin but only minimally stimulate melanin production. As a result, tanning appears quickly but is generally less protective and fades more quickly. In contrast, the sun emits a broader spectrum of UV rays, including both UVA and UVB rays, allowing for slower but more complete and longer-lasting tanning.

Dangers of solariums

It is important to emphasise that exposure to UV rays, whether natural or artificial, is not without risk. It accelerates skin ageing, can cause sunburn and significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Studies show that the use of solariums significantly increases the risk of melanoma, particularly if used before the age of 35. Solariums have been classified as a category 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the WHO.

For this reason, the use of solariums is not recommended, especially for people with fair skin and anyone with a medical history related to the skin. It is also prohibited for minors.

Precautionary measures: Recommendations for using a solarium

In order to minimise these risks, the Federal Act on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation and Acoustic Stimulation sets out measures. These measures are specified in the Ordinance to the Federal Act on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation and Acoustic Stimulation  The law and ordinance, adopted by the Federal Council on 27 February 2019, entered into force on 1 June 2019.

• Persone per cui l’uso è sconsigliato People for whom use is not recommended

  • Minors (use of the solarium is prohibited for minors)
  • People who suffer or have suffered from skin cancer
  • People with a high risk of developing skin cancer (e.g. with a family history or very fair skin)
  • People who are particularly sensitive to UV rays, such as:
    – Those who do not tan at all in the sun (skin type I)
    – Those who take photosensitising drugs

• Fack sheet: Solarium

  

  Solariums pose significant health risks, including burns, premature skin aging, and cancer.
  Since 2019, the Ordinance to the Federal Act on Protection Against Hazards Arising from Non-Ionising Radiation and Sound (O-NIRSA) has regulated their use to better protect users, particularly young people and those at higher risk.

  • Factsheet - Solaria

    PDF252.58 kB10 February 2020

Guide and instructions for using solariums

.In order to limit the health risks associated with the use of solariums to an acceptable level of residual risk, operators of such facilities must comply with the provisions of the Federal Act on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation and Noise (LRNIS) and the implementing provisions of the Ordinance on the Federal Act on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation and Noise (O-LRNIS) with regard to installation, use and maintenance. Solariums that are not properly maintained or used inappropriately can expose customers to high levels of radiation, significantly increasing the risk of cancer or premature skin ageing and, in severe cases, burns.

This guide explains to solarium operators how to comply with these provisions.

• Guidance document on the use of solariums

  PDF2.91 MB3 July 2020

This implementation aid is intended to assist in the implementation of the requirements set out in the O-LRNIS for the use of solariums for commercial or professional purposes (available in German).

This implementation aid must be implemented together with three additional documents:

• a checklist that enforcement authorities can use to verify all solarium requirements step by step (available in German)

• Vollzugshilfe - Solarien - Checkliste

  PDF54.27 kB17 December 2021

• an appendix containing poster templates to provide customers with explanations on risk groups, risks and how to avoid them, as well as templates for disclosure programmes

• Annex to the guidance document on the use of solariums

  PDF872.10 kB22 June 2021

• a recommendation for measuring exposure in solariums (available in German)

Further information

• Documents

  • Factsheet - Solaria

    PDF252.58 kB10 February 2020

  • Guidance document on the use of solariums

    PDF2.91 MB3 July 2020

• Link