Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
UV tanning devices
Quick answer
Classified as Group 1 — carcinogenic to humans, based on sufficient evidence in humans. On skin and eyes. Tanning beds and sunlamps. Risk is highest when use begins in adolescence or early adulthood.
Summary
Sunlamps and tanning beds emit UV radiation associated with melanoma and other skin cancers.
Detail
UV-emitting tanning devices are Group 1 with sufficient evidence for melanoma and ocular (eye) melanoma. Risk is higher when tanning-bed use begins in adolescence or early adulthood. WHO and most major cancer bodies advise against the use of tanning beds for cosmetic purposes; several countries restrict use by minors.
What's not established
This classification is based on sufficient evidence in humans that this factor can cause cancer. It does not establish a safe exposure threshold, your personal risk, or how this factor's risk compares in size to other Group 1 agents — hazard classifications are not ranked by magnitude.
Regional relevance
global
Documented in these products
Presence in a product category doesn't imply the product causes cancer. Click each to see the source and context.
Evidence sources
Every claim on this page traces back to one of these. Click through to read the primary document yourself.
Primary sources
NCI
NCI — Cancer Risk Factors: Sunlight
IARC
IARC Monographs — Classifications by Cancer Site, Vols 1–140
Supporting sources
Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society — Reduce your risk
ACS
ACS — Known and Probable Human Carcinogens
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK — Causes of cancer and reducing your risk
IARC / WHO — European Code Against Cancer
European Code Against Cancer (5th edition) — 14 ways you can help prevent cancer
NTP
NTP — Report on Carcinogens (US National Toxicology Program)
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council Australia — Causes of cancer
Last reviewed: October 2026
Official reference list
A government list some readers use alongside the primary evidence. Meyron is not affiliated with it. A chemical being listed does not by itself describe a risk from any particular product.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.