Have you heard about Australia’s latest epidemic? The selling of solarium services across Melbourne and Sydney has continued, despite Victoria’s ‘Radiation Act 2005′ which prohibits the commercial conducting of tanning services, aka; solariums. But why are these services so dangerous? Let’s delve into the world of solariums to learn why they are something every Australian should stay far away from.
What are solariums?
Solariums, sun beds, tanning beds, sunlamps, what ever you call them, can be deadly. UV rays from the sun can already lead to skin cancer. However, solariums “emit UV levels up to 6 times stronger than the midday summer sun” (betterhealth.vic.gov.au). This UV from solariums increases your risk of developing skin cancer. And contrary to some beliefs, tanning in solariums doesn’t mean it is any safer to tan in natural daylight.
Emma Glassenbury, head of Sunsmart says that home solariums significantly increases peoples risk of skin cancer due to exposing them to high levels of ultraviolet radiation (smh.com.au).
Before they were banned in early 2015 in Victoria, it was estimated that the use of solariums in Australia led to new cases of 283 melanomas and 2,572 squamous cell carcinomas per year. The commercial use of these products is banned in all Australian states and territories, not just Victoria. While our nation has clearly recognized the harm these beds are causing, the use continues.
Australia’s Epidemic
The Sydney Morning Herald article ‘Illegal solariums fuel call for total ban on ‘dangerous machines’’ by Henrietta Cook shares an insightful perspective on the issue of dangerous tanning beds. It had this to say regarding Australian Skin Cancer Foundation founder Jay Allen:
“Allen had his own brush with death 15 years ago when he was diagnosed with stage three melanoma, given a 50 per cent chance of survival. His surgeon linked his cancer to his frequent use of solariums during his early 20s. Allen estimates he used commercial machines up to 70 times.”
“Dozens of illegal solariums are being advertised on social media across the country, […] Victorian authorities confirmed they had recently seized five illegal sunbeds and issued charges as part of large operation.” Something this serious needs to be stopped.
What you can do
Don’t use solariums or tanning beds. In addition to that, report any commercial listing for solariums you see. You can do so at the Department of Health Radiation Safety team:
Phone : 1300 767 469
Email: [email protected]
If you have previously used tanning beds or solariums in the past remember to book in for a regular skin check! Discuss with your doctor your history and ask for advice on how often you should be having skin checks (See our article: https://qutis.com.au/2022/11/how-often-should-i-get-my-skin-checked/).
Sources: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/radiation/solariums https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/solariums-sunbeds-and-tanning-beds https://www.smh.com.au/healthcare/illegal-solariums-fuel-call-for-total-ban-on-dangerous-machines-20230629-p5dkco.html
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