Better protection from hazardous radiation planned
At its meeting on February 14, 2018, the Federal Council sent the ordinance on the Federal Act on Non-Ionizing Radiation and Sound for consultation. Minors are to be prohibited from accessing solariums because the radiation used there can cause skin cancer in the longer term. Regulations for better health protection are also planned for cosmetic laser treatments and laser pointers.
Non-ionizing radiation is emitted, among other things, by solariums, medical lasers or Laser pointer generated. If such devices are not used properly, they can be harmful to health. In the case of solariums, according to the draft ordinance, the control and information about the dangers of excessive Exposure to UV radiation be strengthened. Minors are prohibited from visiting solariums. The cantons are to carry out the controls.
Certificate of competence for treatments with flash lamps and lasers
In future, a certificate of competence will be required for cosmetic treatments with powerful flash lamps and lasers. This affects a total of 13 treatments such as hair removal with lasers. The industry itself is responsible for the training of cosmeticians. Laser treatments such as the removal of warts may still only be carried out by doctors. In addition, the removal of moles with lasers and tattoos with flash lamps should be prohibited. Furthermore, the public at events should be protected from harmful noise effects and laser beams are protected. The federal government will now monitor events with laser beams to ensure that the requirements are met.
Increasingly, laser pointers are in circulation that pose a danger to the eyes and skin and are used to blind pilots or locomotive drivers. In order to avoid both dangerous glare and direct eye damage in the future, only Class 1 laser pointers will be permitted in Switzerland. The consultation will run until the end of May 2018.
On the legislation project non-ionizing radiation and sound
Text: Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
