The attention of public authorities was drawn to the risks associated with the population’s exposure to ultraviolet radiation by two reports from the National Academy of Medicine in March 2003 and March 2004, as well as by the AFSSE’s memorandum of April 19, 2004, which, as part of its scientific monitoring mandate, sought to provide an update on the current state of knowledge regarding the risks associated with natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation as well as the improper use of sunscreen products. The ministries responsible for health and the environment then referred the matter to the AFSSE to reassess the health risks associated with exposure to naturally occurring ultraviolet radiation and the use of tanning facilities. The AFSSE therefore formed a group of experts comprising, in addition to the INVS and AFSSAPS—the agencies named in the request—representatives from the Academy of Medicine, the IARC, members of Inserm research laboratories, and dermatologists specializing in this field, to provide answers to the questions posed in the ministerial request: - Review published or forthcoming studies on the health effects of UV exposure, particularly carcinogenic effects, and the use of tanning beds emitting ultraviolet radiation. The review of the existing literature must focus in particular on adopting a critical stance that takes into account French-specific factors (intermediate skin phototypes, types of UV radiation authorized by French regulations). - Assess the relevance of using limit values based on the minimal erythemal dose (inducing acute effects) in terms of understanding carcinogenic risks (melanomas, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas). - Assess the relevance of using lamps that emit only UVA. - Justify the ban on the use of any cosmetic products during tanning bed sessions, particularly antioxidant substances. - Present the most relevant European and international positions—both scientific and regulatory—aimed at regulating tanning devices emitting ultraviolet radiation, through a comparative study. However, since the consequences of exposure to natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation are difficult to distinguish in terms of overall effects, the expert group decided to base the report on a comprehensive analysis of UV risk. In addition to the objectives set forth in the referral, AFSSE expanded the study to include potential risks associated with the domestic use (at home or in public places such as offices and schools) of so-called “full-spectrum” lighting lamps that emit ultraviolet radiation in addition to visible light, a significant portion of which is UVB according to available documentation. The marketing of these lamps to the general public is in fact a recent development and occurs through distribution channels in specialty stores or via the Internet. This distribution remains very limited but could expand further. The expert group also considered the potential consequences of using sunscreen products, whose effectiveness is primarily focused on UVB, which could lead to an increase in exposure duration and thus an increased risk associated with UVA exposure. The InVS and Afssaps have, for their part, been consulted on various aspects of the ultraviolet issue. In fact, in parallel with the referral to the Afsse, a second working group was established by the InVS to characterize the exposure of the French population (proportion of the population exposed to UV, exposure practices, occurrence and frequency of accidents, etc.). The Afssaps, for its part, produced a report on the topic " ultraviolet radiation and the use of cosmetic products ." The work of the various working groups is presented in a joint report. This report is designed to allow the reader to read each chapter independently, as they are based on the work of the different working groups. This is why some redundancies may be observed, particularly in the definitions. (Context and objectives of the referral).