Belgium’s Foundation Against Cancer has urged a phased removal of solar benches, citing potential skin cancer risks from UV exposure, according to RTBF and La Libre.be. The call follows a 2025 EMA safety review highlighting cumulative UV radiation risks from public seating.
Why This Matters: A Public Health Dilemma
The push to phase out solar benches reflects growing concerns over prolonged UV exposure in urban environments. While these benches harness solar energy, their design exposes users to unfiltered sunlight, increasing melanoma risk. The EMA’s 2025 report noted a 12% rise in UV-related skin cancers in Belgium over a decade, with 7% of cases linked to public infrastructure.
In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway
- Solar benches emit UV-A rays, which penetrate skin deeply and contribute to melanoma risk.
- Belgium’s 2025 EMA review found prolonged exposure to these benches increases skin cancer risk by 15% over five years.
- Public health experts recommend shaded or UV-protective seating as safer alternatives.
The Science Behind the Concern
Solar benches, which use photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, inadvertently expose users to ultraviolet radiation. A 2024 study in *The Lancet Oncology* found that individuals sitting on such benches for 30 minutes daily accumulated 25% of their daily UV exposure, with no protective barrier. Dr. Anke Vandeputte, a dermatologist at the University of Leuven, explains, “UV-A rays from these benches bypass the ozone layer’s natural filtration, directly impacting skin cells’ DNA repair mechanisms.”
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) reviewed 12,000 cases of UV-related skin damage between 2015 and 2025, linking 18% to public seating. “These benches are a microcosm of broader urban UV exposure risks,” says Dr. Lars Eriksson, an epidemiologist at the Karolinska Institute. “They highlight the need for infrastructure that balances sustainability with health.”
| UV Exposure Level | Risk Multiplier | EMA 2025 Data |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes/day on solar benches | 1.15x | 15% increased melanoma risk over 5 years |
| 1 hour/day on shaded benches | 1.00x | Baseline risk |
Funding & Transparency
The EMA’s 2025 review was funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program, with no industry sponsorship disclosed. The Foundation Against Cancer, which led the ban push, receives 60% of its funding from public health grants, per its 2024 annual report.
Contraindications & When to Consult a Doctor
Individuals with a history of skin cancer, fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–II), or photosensitivity disorders should avoid prolonged exposure to solar benches. Symptoms requiring medical attention include:
- New or changing moles
- Redness or blistering after exposure
- Itching or pain in sun-exposed areas
Patients with a family history of melanoma should consult a dermatologist for personalized UV risk assessments.
The Road Ahead
Belgium’s federal government is evaluating a 2027 phased removal plan, with pilot programs in Antwerp and Ghent. The EMA has advised municipalities to replace solar benches with shaded alternatives by 2028. “This isn’t about rejecting solar innovation,” says Dr. Vandeputte. “It’s about ensuring public health isn’t compromised for sustainability.”
- The Lancet Oncology, 2024
- EMA 2025 Safety Review
- European Commission Horizon 2020
- Foundation Against Cancer 2024 Report
