Leslie Massey
Solariums, also known as tanning beds, have been a topic of concern in Australia due to their association with skin cancer and melanoma risks. With Australia already experiencing high levels of UV radiation, the additional exposure from solariums has raised alarms, leading to a wave of solarium bans across the country. As of 2016, commercial solariums were prohibited in all states and territories, marking a significant shift in attitudes towards sun tanning among Australians. Despite the bans, some individuals continue to operate illegal tanning businesses, prompting warnings from melanoma survivors and health authorities about the dangers of solarium use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial solariums banned in Australia | Yes, in all states and territories by 2016 |
| Commercial solariums banned in NSW | Yes, since December 2014 |
| Fines for commercial solarium operators | Up to $44,000 in NSW |
| Fines for individuals with home solariums | $4,000 in Victoria |
| Number of investigations in Victoria | 13 |
| Number of investigations in Queensland | 5 |
| Number of tanning beds seized in Victoria | 23 |
| Fines issued in NSW | 1, $1,500 |
| Fines issued in Victoria | 1, $68,500 |
| Cancer risk from solariums | 7 times increased risk of melanoma with 10+ visits |
| UV radiation in Australia | Some of the highest levels in the world |
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What You'll Learn
Commercial solariums banned in Australia since 2016
Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world due to its proximity to the equator and its many clear, blue-sky days. As a result, the country has taken steps to reduce its citizens' exposure to UV radiation, including banning commercial solariums since 2016.
Commercial solariums, also known as solaria, are businesses that offer skin tanning services through lamps emitting artificial ultraviolet radiation (UVR). This radiation includes both UVA and UVB, both of which are listed as carcinogens by the World Health Organization (WHO). An Australian study in 2008 found that some commercial sunbeds emitted up to six times more UVA than summer sun. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified sunbeds into the highest risk category (Group 1: carcinogenic to humans) in 2009.
The ban on commercial solariums in Australia was implemented gradually, with New South Wales becoming the first state to prohibit their use in December 2014. By 2016, all states and territories across the country had followed suit, making it illegal to offer UV tanning services for cosmetic purposes for a fee or reward. Offenders can face hefty fines, with the biggest penalty issued to a black market operator in Victoria, where a Melbourne business was fined $68,500.
Despite the ban, some individuals continue to operate illegal tanning businesses for profit or offer services from private property. This has led to several cases and prosecutions, as the law only prohibits commercial solariums, allowing individuals to own tanning beds for personal use.
The push for the ban was strengthened by melanoma survivors and campaigners who shared their experiences and warned others about the dangers of solarium use. Professor Mann, who heads the research committee at the Melanoma Institute Australia, lobbied for a sunbed ban across Australia, citing research that showed a significant increase in the risk of melanoma for those with a history of solarium use.
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The sunbed ban was lobbied for by Melanoma Institute Australia
Sunbeds give off ultraviolet radiation that can damage the skin and eyes and increase the risk of melanoma by almost 60%. In 2017, researchers from the Manchester Cancer Research Centre collaborated with healthcare professionals and patients to develop a business case to ban sunbeds in England. This research, which was published in the British Journal of Dermatology, found that a ban on indoor tanning in England would result in 1,206 fewer cases of melanoma and 207 fewer melanoma deaths.
In Australia, the sunbed lobby was relatively small, and the sunbed industry was in its infancy when the calls for a ban began. The ban was influenced by research from Associate Professor Louisa Gordon and her colleagues, which found that 281 melanomas, 43 deaths, and 2,572 squamous cell carcinomas were attributable to solarium use in Australia each year, costing the health system around AU$3 million.
The Melanoma Institute Australia also played a crucial role in lobbying for the sunbed ban in Australia. Professor Mann, who heads the research committee at the institute, used world-leading research to advocate for this change. Their research focused on individuals who had melanoma under the age of 40, finding that those with more than 10 solarium visits in their lives had a seven-times increased risk of melanoma.
The story of Australian Clare Oliver, who died of skin cancer at the age of 26, also contributed to the push for a ban. Before her death in 2007, Oliver blamed the spread of her melanoma on her regular use of sunbeds, stating that her desire for a tan was not worth the health consequences she faced. This sparked a media frenzy and a shift in the debate on sunbeds in Australia, leading the state of Victoria to ban their use by people under 18 years old.
By January 1, 2016, all six Australian states had imposed a ban on the use of commercial sunbeds for everyone. This decision was based on strong evidence of the link between sunbed use and skin cancer, with Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The ban has been well-received by the public and has led to an increase in Australians reading about melanoma and seeking alternatives, such as spray tans.
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The ban has stimulated an unregulated black market
Solariums, or tanning beds, emit artificial ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which increases the risk of developing skin cancer. As a result, commercial solariums were banned in all states and territories across Australia by 2016. However, the ban only applied to commercial solariums, allowing individuals to still own a tanning bed for personal use.
Despite the ban, some individuals continue to operate illegal tanning businesses for profit, stimulating an unregulated black market. Commercial-grade machines are advertised on online trading websites in New South Wales, such as Gumtree and eBay, for prices ranging from $900 to $8000. This has led to several cases and prosecutions, with authorities in Victoria fining a Melbourne business $68,500, the highest penalty issued to a black market operator as of 2018. Other fines include a $4,000 fine for an individual renting out their home solarium, and a $1,500 fine in New South Wales, the first state to ban tanning beds in 2014.
The existence of this black market is concerning given the health risks associated with solarium use. Research from the Melanoma Institute Australia found that individuals who had more than 10 solarium visits in their lifetime had a seven-times increased risk of melanoma. Furthermore, an Australian study estimated that exposure to UVR from tanning beds contributed to 43 melanoma-related deaths and 2572 new cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed both UVA and UVB radiation, emitted by solariums, as carcinogens. Australia's proximity to the equator and high number of clear, blue-sky days already expose its population to high levels of UV radiation. Therefore, the additional exposure from solariums can be extremely harmful, and it is important for individuals to be aware of the risks and for authorities to continue addressing this issue.
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Solariums increase the risk of skin cancer and melanoma
Solariums have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and melanoma. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified sunbeds as "carcinogenic to humans" in 2009, placing them in the highest risk category. This reclassification reflects the growing concern over the potential health risks associated with solarium use.
Several studies have investigated the link between solarium use and skin cancer, particularly melanoma. One study found that people who used a solarium before the age of 35 had a 59% greater risk of developing melanoma compared to non-users. Another study estimated that banning solariums could prevent one in six melanoma cases in Australians aged 18 to 29. Additionally, research has shown that each sunbed session increases the risk of melanoma by 1.8%. The risk is even higher for those who start using solariums at a younger age, with one study reporting a seven-fold increase in melanoma risk for individuals who had more than ten solarium visits in their lifetime.
The harmful effects of solariums are attributed to their emission of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily in the form of UVA rays. UVA rays can cause skin damage, including photoaging, sunburn, and blistering, and are linked to the development of skin cancer. While some argue that the current scientific evidence is based on observational studies with poor quality data, the potential health risks associated with solarium use are significant enough that commercial solariums have been banned in most Australian states and territories since 2015.
The ban on commercial solariums in Australia reflects the growing recognition of the dangers associated with solarium use. However, it is important to note that the use of home solariums or tanning beds is still prevalent in the country. Individuals who choose to use these devices should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize their exposure to UV radiation. Seeking alternative tanning methods, such as self-tanning products or spray tans, can help reduce the risk of skin cancer and melanoma associated with solarium use.
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Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation globally
Australia's proximity to the equator and abundance of clear, blue-sky days contribute to its high levels of UV radiation. Additionally, the Earth's orbit brings countries in the southern hemisphere, including Australia, closer to the sun during their summertime compared to countries in the northern hemisphere. The variation in UV levels across Australia means that some regions, such as those north of Sydney, require sun protection all year round. UV radiation levels are also influenced by altitude, with UV levels increasing by 10%-12% for every 1000-meter increase in altitude.
The UV Index is a standardized measure of UV radiation intensity, and values above 11 are considered extreme. In Australia, peak daily values during the summer regularly exceed 12-14 and can reach 16-17 in more northern latitudes. When the UV Index is 3 or above, it is important to take precautions to protect the skin and eyes from harmful UV radiation. These precautions include wearing protective clothing, using SPF 50 or higher sunscreen, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, and seeking shade during peak UV hours.
The SunSmart app, available for iPhone and Android users, provides real-time UV level information and sun protection times for Australian capital cities and other locations across Australia. This information is also accessible through the SunSmart and Bureau of Meteorology websites and daily newspapers. By staying informed about UV levels and taking the necessary precautions, Australians can balance their exposure to UV radiation, which is also a source of vitamin D.
To address the risks associated with UV radiation, commercial solariums have been banned in all states and territories of Australia. Despite this ban, some individuals continue to use solariums in their homes, unaware of the increased risk of melanoma and skin cancer associated with their use.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, commercial solariums were banned in all states and territories across Australia by 2016.
Solariums emit ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is a known carcinogen. Research has shown that solarium use increases the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
The Cancer Council of NSW recommends the use of fake tan products for those who wish to achieve a tanned-skin look.
Yes, there have been several cases of individuals being fined for conducting illegal tanning businesses or renting out their home solariums. The biggest penalty issued to a black market operator was in Victoria, where authorities fined a Melbourne business AUD 68,500.
