§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has of cancer of the skin being caused by sun tan creams or lotions that contain oil of bergamot or 5-methoxypsoralen; if he will take steps to warn the public of possible dangers of cancer through the use of such lotions; if he will have discussions with the manufacturers of the lotions concerning the possible dangers of cancer; what research has been carried out to ascertain the danger of cancer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungI am advised that there is no medical evidence that cancer of the skin is caused by sun-tan creams or lotions that contain oil of bergamot or 5-methoxypsoralen. The research data that are available demonstrate no carcinogenic effects. However, 5-methoxypsoralen, which is a constituent of natural bergamot oil, can cause dermatitis, and manufacturers of sun-tan products use distilled bergamot oil to obviate this risk.