The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has raised questions about the use of laser hair removal and IPL skin rejuvenation, which it says could need more research if they’re being used for cosmetic purposes.
In an article in the Sax Institute journal on Public Health Research and Practice, ARPANSA says usage of radiation treatments are growing in popularity but consumers are at risk of injuries such as burns, blistering, scarring and eye damage.
Assistant Director, Assessment and Advice at ARPANSA, Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, said there was currently no national approach to regulation of devices or services that use non-ionising radiation for cosmetic purposes, with the exception of the ban on solariums.
“Despite a public perception that cosmetic radiation procedures are quick and easy, many are complex and require specific skills and experience to apply correctly,” Professor Karipidis said.
“This review highlights the absence of any consistent and well-defined training requirements across all Australian jurisdictions.”
He said that only Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia have regulatory controls, but even then only for certain optical cosmetic applications.
According to Professor Karipidis, while ARPANSA has published national advice for consumers and treatment providers, more research in the space is needed to determine the overall public health impact.
“This research will help further develop the body of knowledge to better understand the health and safety impact of radiation used in cosmetic procedures”, he said.
Professor Karipidis said the primary concern is to protect Australians from the harmful effects of radiation.
“We’re working with Monash University to support a PhD candidate to further investigate the health impact of radiation used in cosmetic procedures”, he said.
“Further understanding of the injury burden will assist in further policy considerations by State and Territory regulators.”
ARPANSA’s full journal article can be accessed at this PS News link.
