stock.xchng/Marcin Paszkiewicz

Due to the low levels of sunlight during the Polish winter, tanning salons are popular in the country. Such salons, known locally as “Solariums,” are found in most towns and cities, and they are often concentrated together, several to a neighborhood.

Ultra violet radiation, to which tanning-salon patrons are exposed during each visit, has been linked to numerous skin conditions, including cancer. According to World Health Organization, the use of sunbeds can be extremely dangerous.

“Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources is of considerable public health concern. UV radiation plays an important role in the development of skin cancer, cataracts, and other eye conditions, and suppresses the immune system. Cumulative UV radiation also results in premature skin aging,” a WHO report read.

Many, if not most, of the conditions associated with long-term exposure to UV radiation are covered by Poland's national health insurance. Now, however, Law and Justice (PiS) MP Waldemar Andzel is proposing the compulsory registration of tanning-salon customers and subsequent limitation of their access to free medical treatment for certain conditions.

His proposal would see the creation of a centralized database of salons across the country, which would require a significant amount of time, effort and funding to achieve.

This may not matter much, however, as the idea is unlikely to meet with much support in the first place. According to TVN24, the ruling Civic Platform-Polish People's Party coalition is unlikely to accept such a bill, particularly one authored by an opposition politician.