cancer researcher
cancer researcherIsrael news photo: Flash 90

The Health Ministry on Sunday placed tanning beds on a list of products and devices that “definitely” cause cancer. Individuals who lie on the beds that are equipped with ultraviolet lamps designed to enable users to quickly get a tan are much more likely to get cancer, the Ministry said. The beds were transferred to the “definite” list after being placed in 2010 on a list of products that “possibly” cause cancer.

The list of cancer causing products and devices is based on research by the World Health Organization's cancer research department. The WHO several months ago declared that tanning beds are linked with cancer. The WHO recommends that individuals using the beds stop using them altogether, or significantly cut down their use.

According to the Israeli Cancer Society, use of the beds in individuals 35 and under increases their risk of getting skin cancer by 59%. The group said that the beds have become very popular lately with teens, and called for legislation to prevent individuals under 18 from using tanning beds.

The group is also demanding that tanning beds be labeled as causing cancer, as are packages of cigarettes or advertisements for tobacco products. A Knesset committee last May began developing legislation to achieve both goals, but has not finished work on the matter yet.