In the wake of litany of complaints about risks of tanning sunbeds from Consumer NZ and the Cancer Society, the Commerce Commission has come out to voice against the false claims made by Sunbed operators and distributors.

It has been reported that Ultraviolet A light used in sunbeds could trigger the risk of skin cancer, photo-aging of the skin, and eye damage including formation of cataracts.

It has been claimed by dermatologists that UV light on a sunbed is dangerous enough to make one fall victim of skin cancer. It has been reported that admitting the severity of tanning sunbeds, a clan of about 280 operators and distributors nationwide was sent a letter, asserting that any violation could result in fines up to $200,000 per offence for companies and $60,000 per offence for individuals.

"While the commission is taking no further action at this time, we will continue to monitor the representations being made by sunbed operators and distributors”, the letter stated.

If reports are to be believed, there were 371 deaths from melanoma in New Zealand in 2008. Even the World Health Organisation has called for government intervention to keep a tab on the use of tanning sunbeds.