WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1602/98 by Joaquín SISÓ CRUELLAS to the Commission. Professional standards at solariums
Date: 1998-05-25
Institutions: European Parliament, SISO CRUELLAS
Subjects: Spain, advertising malpractice, cancer, consumer information, hairdressing and beauty care, household electrical appliance, public health, safety standard, skin disease, vocational training

C 50/54

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

22.2.1999

(1999/C 50/076)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1602/98

by Joaqu(cid:237)n Sis(cid:243) Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(25 May 1998)

Subject: Professional standards at solariums

The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has carried out a study at 68 solariums chosen at random in
nine Spanish cities which warns of the very low professional standards of those working in these establishments
where ultraviolet rays are used, while also warning that tanning sessions without proper supervision can cause
irreparable damage to health.

According to this study, staff working in these establishments have no training, do not provide accurate
information and do not take into account the skin type of users. Only six of the 68 centres visited gave advice on
contra-indications and it is of particular concern that ten of them advised against the use of glasses to protect the
eyes from radiation because (cid:145)they would leave a mark(cid:146). In addition, according to the OCU, the publicity material
for solariums is a compendium of tired clichØs, tendentious information, misleading advertising and reckless
practice.

Will the Commission say whether any measures exist at European level to protect users from possible damage to
their health which may occur at such solariums?

Are there any European laws governing equipment using ultraviolet rays for the purposes of tanning?

If not, does the Commission consider that appropriate measures need to be taken?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 1998)

The Commission is aware of the health risks related to the use of artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation for cosmetic
purposes.

As a specific measure, Decision No 646/96/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting
an action plan to combat cancer within the framework for action in the field of public health (1996 to 2000) (1),
proposed appropriate media campaigns making people aware of the risks associated with excessive exposure of
the skin to ultraviolet radiation. The European week against cancer of 1996 addressed on a European scale the risk
of excessive exposure by distribution of more than 25 million leaflets on the issue in Member States.

The lamps used for UV radiation are covered by Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the
harmonisation of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain
voltage limits (2). This Directive also deals with the radiation from such equipment. Particular requirements for
such appliances are fixed in standard EN 60335-2-27 (Safety of household and similar electrical appliances ›
Part 2: Particular requirements for ultraviolet and infrared radiation skin treatment appliances for household and
similar use).

However, Community legislation does not specifically cover the use of these lamps by suppliers of services nor
does Community legislation demand mandatory health-risk related information to be given by sun centres to their
customers. Therefore, Member States must themselves take necessary measure to protect the health and security
of consumers.

(1) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996.
(2) OJ L 77, 26.3.1973.

(1999/C 50/077)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1606/98

by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission

(11 May 1998)

Subject: Anti-dumping tariffs for steel producers

While anti-dumping measures are an important protectionist regulatory instrument, they may also give rise to
economic problems for intra-Community enterprises.