Lexi Webster
Tanning beds, also known as sunbeds or solariums, have been banned in Australia since 2015, with Western Australia implementing the ban in 2016. The ban prohibits commercial tanning beds, making it illegal for businesses to provide tanning beds for a fee. However, the ban does not affect personal ownership or use of tanning beds, which remains legal and unregulated. This means that individuals can still purchase and use tanning beds in their homes. The ban was implemented due to the health risks associated with tanning beds, particularly the increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Despite the ban, some Australians continue to use tanning beds, and there is a cultural preference for a suntan, leading to concerns about the rise of modified sunbeds, known as collariums or collagen beds, which are promoted as a healthy alternative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commercial solariums banned in Australia | Yes, since 2015 or 2016 |
| Commercial solariums banned in the Northern Territory | No |
| Commercial solariums banned in Western Australia | Yes, since 2016 |
| Commercial tanning beds banned for those under 18 | Yes |
| Private ownership of solariums banned in Australia | No |
| Personal use of solariums banned in Australia | No |
| Solariums linked to skin cancer | Yes |
| Solariums linked to premature aging of the skin | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Commercial tanning beds banned in Australia since 2015
Commercial tanning beds have been banned in Australia since 2015. The ban came into effect on 1 January 2015 in all Australian states and territories except Western Australia, where it was introduced a year later, and the Northern Territory, where there are no commercial tanning businesses. The ban makes it illegal for any person to provide the use of a tanning bed for a fee. However, it does not affect personal ownership or use of solariums, and UV tanning products designed for home use are still available for purchase in Australia.
The decision to ban commercial tanning beds in Australia was driven by public health concerns. Tanning beds are associated with a high risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds can cause skin damage, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Before the ban, it was estimated that more than 2800 skin cancer cases and 43 melanoma-related deaths each year were attributed to solarium use, costing the Australian health system around $3 million.
Despite the ban, data shows that many Australians still engage in sun tanning and have poor sun protection behaviours. There has also been a rise in the use of modified sunbeds, known as collariums or collagen beds, which are promoted as a "healthy" alternative to traditional solariums. However, health experts warn that these modified sunbeds still emit UV radiation and contribute to skin ageing and skin cancer risk.
Prior to the ban, the use of tanning beds in Australia was already declining. From 2003-2004 to 2006-2007, the percentage of adults aged 18 to 69 who had used a tanning bed in the previous 12 months decreased from 2.2% to 1.5%. The decline was likely due to heightened public awareness of the risks associated with tanning beds, as well as the diversification of the tanning industry into other revenue streams such as spray tanning.
Australia was the second country in the world to implement a ban on commercial tanning beds, following Brazil's resolution in 2009. The ban in Australia was the result of advocacy efforts by public health organizations and cancer councils, who worked to raise awareness and influence government policy.
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Private tanning bed ownership remains legal
Tanning beds, also known as sunbeds or solariums, have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. As a result, commercial tanning beds were banned in Australia in 2015, with the exception of Western Australia, where the ban was introduced in 2016, and the Northern Territory, which does not have any commercial tanning businesses.
Despite the ban on commercial tanning beds, private ownership and personal use of tanning beds remain legal and unregulated in Australia. This means that individuals are still allowed to own and use tanning beds for personal purposes.
The decision to allow private ownership of tanning beds is controversial due to the well-established health risks associated with UV radiation exposure. The Cancer Council Australia, the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and the Australasian College of Dermatologists all advise against the use of artificial UV radiation tanning devices for cosmetic purposes under any circumstances.
While the commercial ban on tanning beds has reduced access to these devices, the continued legal status of private ownership means that some individuals may still be exposed to the harmful effects of UV radiation. As a result, health organizations and experts continue to advocate for safe sun practices and the avoidance of tanning beds, regardless of their ownership status.
It is worth noting that the availability and use of modified sunbeds, known as collariums or collagen beds, have emerged as a concerning trend in Australia. These modified sunbeds are promoted as a "healthy" alternative to traditional solariums, claiming to improve skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, health experts refute these claims, stating that collariums are indeed solariums and carry the same risks of UV radiation exposure, contributing to skin ageing and increasing the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
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Tanning beds cause melanoma and skin cancer
Tanning beds emit ultraviolet radiation, which is harmful to the skin and can cause melanoma and skin cancer. According to Cancer Council Australia, exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in a solarium (sunbed or tanning bed) causes melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, ocular melanoma, eye damage, and premature aging of the skin.
The use of tanning beds before the age of 20 can increase the chances of developing melanoma by 47%, and the risk increases with each use. Research has shown that tanning beds can increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%. Tanning beds emit higher amounts of ultraviolet radiation than the sun, including both UVA and UVB radiation. The UV Index of these beds ranges from 31.3 to 48.6, with a UV Index of 3 being high enough to cause permanent damage to the skin and eyes.
The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light, while the body needs UVB light to make vitamin D. Tanning salons advertise that getting a controlled" tan at the beginning of the summer protects the skin by making it harder to burn when going outside. However, this is not true, as ultraviolet light damages the DNA in a way that can lead to the development of cancer, whether exposed to it indoors or outdoors.
Due to the associated health risks, commercial solariums were banned in Australia from 2015 onwards, with all states and territories except Western Australia implementing the ban in 2016. The commercial ban makes it illegal to provide the use of a tanning bed for a fee, but it does not affect personal ownership or use.
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Tanning bed use was never common in Australia
The low popularity of tanning beds in Australia can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the country has strong advocacy for public health, with both government and non-government organisations taking active roles in promoting health and safety. This includes raising awareness about the risks associated with tanning beds, such as skin cancer and premature ageing.
Additionally, Australia has implemented regulations to control the tanning bed industry. For example, commercial tanning bed operators were required to be licensed and restrict access to high-risk individuals, leading to a significant decrease in the number of operators. The absence of a strong collective advocacy body for the tanning bed industry in Australia, unlike in North America and Europe, also contributed to the decline in usage.
Despite the low usage rates, Australia took a significant step in 2012 by announcing a total ban on commercial tanning beds by the end of 2014. This decision was influenced by growing concerns about the increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers associated with tanning bed use. The ban was implemented in a relatively short timeframe, with all states and territories on board by 2013.
While commercial tanning beds are now banned in Australia, private ownership and personal use of solariums remain legal and unregulated. However, the private ownership and use of solariums in Australian homes is still relatively low.
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Collarium sunbeds are a dangerous rebranding
Commercial solariums, commonly known as sunbeds or tanning beds, have been banned in Australia since 2015 or 2016. This ban was enforced due to the associated health risks, particularly the increased risk of skin cancer. Despite this, private ownership and personal use of solariums remain legal and unregulated in all states and territories.
In recent years, there have been reports of solariums being rebranded as "collarium" sunbeds and marketed in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. These collarium sunbeds emit both UV radiation and a mix of visible wavelength colours to produce a pink or red light. While manufacturers and operators claim they provide a longer-lasting tan and stimulate collagen production, among other purported benefits, experts argue that these claims about safety and effectiveness are unfounded.
The dangers of UV radiation in collarium sunbeds lie in their emission of UVA radiation. While UVB promotes cancer-causing mutations by directly affecting DNA strands, UVA radiation creates reactive oxygen species, which damage cell membranes, protein structures, and DNA. This damage caused by UVA radiation can lead to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of melanoma, even in collarium sunbeds that use only UVA.
The promotion of collarium sunbeds as a safe alternative to traditional sunbeds is misleading and dangerous. The intensity of ultraviolet radiation in these machines can be very high, and the purported benefits, such as collagen stimulation, are unlikely to materialise due to the anti-collagen effects of UVA radiation. The use of collarium sunbeds for cosmetic purposes is not recommended, and health authorities are investigating these rebranded sunbeds as they pose a serious risk to individuals' health.
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Frequently asked questions
Commercial tanning beds have been banned in Australia since 2015, except in Western Australia, where the ban was introduced in 2016, and the Northern Territory, where there are no commercial tanning businesses.
Exposure to artificial UV radiation in tanning beds can cause melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, as well as eye damage and premature aging of the skin.
UV tanning products designed for home use, such as tanning beds, stand-up units, and canopies, are available for purchase in Australia.
The ban has led to a decrease in the number of commercial tanning bed operators and a diversification of their businesses into other revenue streams, such as spray tanning.
Yes, Brazil passed a resolution in 2009 banning the use of commercial tanning beds for cosmetic purposes. Additionally, several states in the United States have introduced bans for those under 18 years of age.
