A political majority in Denmark’s Folketing has backed a proposal to ban the use of sunbeds for individuals under the age of 18, citing a sharp rise in skin cancer among young people. The proposed measure, which is expected to become law in 2026, will be integrated into the country’s upcoming Kræftplan 5 (Cancer Plan 5).
The initiative is led by Lea Wermelin, health spokesperson for the Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats), who emphasized that Denmark has one of the highest rates of melanoma (modermærkekræft) globally. According to her, the growing number of young sunbed users is closely linked to the rising incidence of the disease.
UV exposure from sunbeds significantly increases cancer risk
Medical experts, including Dr. Tine Vestergaard, chief dermatologist at Odense University Hospital, support the ban, warning that UV radiation from sunbeds is significantly stronger than natural sunlight. Vestergaard highlighted that early exposure to intense UV rays increases the lifetime risk of developing melanoma. Notably, melanoma is the most common cancer among Danes aged 15-34, with around 140 new cases each year in this age group.
A 2023 report titled Unges solarievaner (Young people’s sunbed habits) found that 15% of 15-20-year-olds in Denmark use sunbeds, and among young women aged 15-25, the figure rises to 20%. Alarmingly, 9% of these users first tried sunbeds before turning 14.
Denmark among last in Europe without an age restriction
Unlike many European countries that already impose age restrictions, Denmark currently lacks any legal age limit for sunbed use. In contrast, Australia and Brazil have implemented full bans. A 2014 law required warning signs in tanning salons, but did not prohibit access for minors.
Parties including De Radikale (The Social Liberal Party) and Det Konservative Folkeparti (The Conservative People’s Party) have expressed support for the measure. Per Larsen, health spokesperson for the Conservatives, called the proposal “a brilliant idea” and noted that his party had already suggested an 18+ rule earlier this year.
Industry backlash over enforcement and costs
While broadly welcomed by medical experts and politicians, the proposed law has met resistance from the tanning industry. Henrik Marx, chair of the Dansk Solarie Forening (Danish Sunbed Association), warned that mandatory electronic age verification could force many of Denmark’s 654 tanning salons to close, potentially pushing users towards unregulated, private sunbeds.
Vita Grinderslev, owner of a small salon in Roslev, acknowledged that an age limit “makes sense” but argued that the real problem lies in larger cities like Copenhagen or Aarhus, not small towns. She warned that the cost of compliance might threaten her business, which has operated since 1993.
A national health issue with growing urgency
Each year, around 3,000 Danes are diagnosed with melanoma, a figure that has tripled over the last two decades. Approximately 10% of these cases are directly linked to sunbed use, and 300 Danes die annually from the disease.
As the Danish Government finalizes the details of Kræftplan 5, including how to enforce the age restriction, public health authorities and cancer organizations hope this legislative step will bring Denmark in line with international best practices and reduce the nation’s alarming skin cancer statistics.
