Even though sunbeds emit UV radiation, known to be a cancer-causing agent, their use is growing rapidly, writes Suzanne Breen.
They're called "tanorexics" and, according to the Consumers' Association of Ireland, they are a rapidly growing group of addicts.
They use sunbeds very regularly, sometimes every day. UV radiation emitted by sunbeds is listed as a "known cancer-causing agent" by the International Agency for Cancer Research.
Ms Aisling O'Meara of the Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) says sunbed outlets are "worryingly busy" despite alternatives such as fake tanning. "They are also cheaper than ever," she says. "This is one price deflation we definitely aren't happy with."
Victorian women prized their porcelain complexions and considered it vulgar, and a sign of outdoor manual labour, to be tanned. That changed in the 1930s when the south of France, and particularly St Tropez, became popular with the jet set. A tan has remained a fashionable accessory ever since.
Outlets now offer a variety of lie- down and stand-up tanning systems. The CAI says the Government must regulate the industry urgently. "No licence or medical training is currently required to operate sunbeds," says Ms O'Meara.
"Anyone can set up in business. We need a system of close monitoring for this potentially carcinogenic industry. There is growing concern about sunbeds which is supported by strong medical evidence."
The CAI believes the dangers are so great that specific sunbed legislation is required. Sunbeds are currently covered by existing consumer legislation.
There appears to be no plans to introduce stricter controls. The Department of Health advises that sunbeds be used in moderation and that people should seek the advice of their doctor before doing so for the first time.
"In certain circumstances exposure to sunbeds may constitute a hazard," a spokesman said.
"Sunbeds should not be used by persons under 18 years of age, persons who burn easily or tan poorly, those taking drugs or cosmetics thought to be photo-active, those suffering from skin disorders induced or aggravated by exposure to sunlight, those with a history of skin cancer, and those with risk factors for cutaneous melanoma."
He said the law required that appropriate warning notices be displayed on the equipment. However, the CAI says the Department's message is not getting across or is being ignored.
Tough new measures are necessary, it argues, including the licensing and regular inspection of tanning premises with mandatory training for staff.
Last year a CAI researcher visited several outlets offering tanning to check their procedures. The association says it found a poor level of staff training and supervision.
Traditional beauty salons were most aware of the dangers associated with sunbeds, it said. They generally adhere to guidelines drawn up by the Society of Applied Cosmetology which represents beauty therapists.
Operators should ask users about their skin-type, including disorders, and whether the consumer is taking any medication or is pregnant. Clients should also be asked to remove deodorants and make-up before using sunbeds as certain chemicals can react under the strong UV light. The CAI expressed particular concern about a certain tanning chain which has outlets in video stores across the country. A spokesman for the Tanning Shop, which was one of the companies criticised in the CAI report, insisted that the organisation, which has several outlets in Dublin, had a "philosophy of responsibility".
"Everything is carefully monitored with customers' details being input into the computer. Nobody is allowed more than five tanning sessions a week," said a company spokesman.
He said the shops were very busy, with customers varying in age from 18 to their late 60s. "A few years ago, it was only women who came in. Now almost half our customers are men. A lot of our young men are models," he said.
Ms O'Meara compared the lack of official intervention in the Republic with Derry City Council which has banned sunbeds from officially-funded leisure centres. The North has the highest rate of skin cancer per head of population in the world.