Damon Mcknight
Tanning beds have been banned in Australia since 2014. The ban was implemented following evidence from systematic reviews that affirmed a strong association between tanning bed use and an increased risk of melanoma. The Australian government couldn't ignore the link, especially considering the death of 26-year-old Clare Oliver, who, in the last months of her life, campaigned strongly against their use. While the ban has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the availability of harmful artificial UV radiation sources, some Australians continue to use covert solariums and tanning beds in private residences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of the ban | 2014, with some sources citing 2015 and 2016 |
| Reason for the ban | Strong association between tanning bed use and increased risk of melanoma |
| Preceding regulations | Bans on use by high-risk individuals (those with skin type 1 on the Fitzpatrick scale and minors under 18) |
| Enforcement | Compliance with the ban is enforced and monitored by government departments |
| Penalties | Fines ranging from $1,500 to $4,000, and seizure of tanning beds |
| Online advertisements | Decline in the number of sunbeds advertised for sale on Gumtree and eBay |
| Public opinion | Some Australians continue to use illegal solariums, while others support the ban |
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What You'll Learn
Tanning salons banned since 2014/2016
Tanning salons have been banned in Australia since 2016. The ban was implemented to reduce the high number of skin cancer cases in the country, specifically melanoma, which has been linked to the use of tanning beds.
In 2007, 26-year-old Clare Oliver of Victoria died from melanoma, which she attributed to her use of tanning beds. In the last months of her life, she campaigned strongly against their use, bringing the issue into the national spotlight. This, along with other factors, led to the Australian government deciding to ban tanning beds from the end of 2014.
New South Wales was the first state to implement the ban in December 2014. By 2018, investigations and fines were being issued to those flouting the law. However, some Australians continued to use illegal solariums, and covert tanning salons began popping up in major cities.
The ban on commercial tanning beds in Australia was a significant step towards reducing the availability of harmful artificial UV radiation sources and is expected to have long-term benefits for the health of the population. It also set a precedent for other countries to follow suit and implement similar restrictions.
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Cancer risks associated with tanning beds
Tanning beds were banned in Australia in 2016. Prior to the ban, Australia had already implemented regulations to prohibit high-risk individuals (those with very pale skin that always burns and never tans, as well as minors under 18 years old) from using commercial tanning beds.
The use of tanning beds has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, specifically melanoma, which is one of the most deadly types of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds can damage the DNA in skin cells, causing skin cancer. Tanning beds and sun lamps can emit higher amounts of UV radiation than natural sunlight, including both UVA and UVB radiation. UV radiation of any type increases the risk of cancer, and the more exposure one has, the higher the risk becomes.
A study observing 63 women diagnosed with melanoma before the age of 30 found that 61 of them (97%) had used tanning beds. Another study found that people who had more than 10 solarium visits in their life had a seven-times increased risk of melanoma.
It is important to note that there is no such thing as a safe UV tan, and that any vitamin D obtained through the use of tanning beds is outweighed by the harms caused by them. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is recommended to stay safe in the sun by seeking shade, covering up with clothing, and using sunscreen with a high SPF and UV star rating.
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Illegal solariums still exist
Tanning salons have been banned in Australia since 2015 (or 2016, according to some sources). However, illegal solariums continue to exist and operate covertly across the country. These underground solariums have been likened to "speakeasy bars during prohibition", with customers having to rely on word-of-mouth and coded language to access their services.
In 2018, a melanoma survivor issued a warning about the dangers of illegal solariums, stating that rogue operators were flouting the law. Online platforms, such as Gumtree, were found to host advertisements for commercial solariums, as well as posts by black-market operators promoting their tanning beds. Despite efforts to remove these ads, they persist, indicating the ongoing demand for and supply of illegal solariums.
The existence of these covert solariums can be attributed to Australia's cultural association with tanned skin. Tanning became mainstream in the 1930s, and by the 1980s, artificial sunlamps were commercialized into solariums, cementing the tanned look as a desirable status symbol. This cultural preference for tanned skin, combined with the addictive nature of tanning for some individuals, has led to the persistence of illegal solariums even in the face of health risks and legal consequences.
The use of solariums has been linked to a significantly increased risk of melanoma, the most common cancer among 15 to 39-year-old Australians. Individuals who have used a solarium have a 20% greater risk of developing melanoma, with those under 35 facing a 59% greater risk. The story of Clare Oliver, who died from melanoma in 2007 at the age of 25, brought the dangers of solariums into the national spotlight and influenced the push for a sunbed ban.
Despite the ban and the associated health risks, some Australians continue to use illegal solariums, either in secret establishments or by purchasing their tanning beds for personal use. The allure of a tan, rooted in Australia's cultural history, continues to drive the existence and operation of these illegal solariums, even in the face of strict regulations and health warnings.
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Tanning bed use decreased before the ban
Tanning bed use in Australia was never as common as in North America and Europe. In the summer of 2003-2004, 2.2% of adults aged 18-69 had used a tanning bed in the previous 12 months, but this number decreased to 1.5% in 2006-2007.
In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer released a systematic review that raised awareness about the harmful effects of tanning bed use. The review concluded that the use of tanning beds increased the risk of melanoma by 59% for people who were first exposed to artificial ultraviolet radiation before the age of 35. The risk increased with the number of tanning sessions per year.
Following this, Australia implemented regulations requiring commercial tanning bed operators to be licensed and to restrict access for high-risk individuals. As a result, the number of operators decreased by up to 51% within 3 years in some states.
In 2007, 26-year-old Clare Oliver from Victoria, who was dying of melanoma, attributed her illness to tanning bed use and campaigned strongly against their use in her last months. Her advocacy brought the issue into the national spotlight and likely contributed to the eventual ban.
By 2010, regulations were in place across all states and territories to ban high-risk individuals and minors under 18 years old from using commercial tanning beds. In 2012, three states (New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia) announced a total ban on commercial tanning beds, effective at the end of 2014. The remaining states and territories followed suit in 2013.
Despite the ban, some individuals in Australia continued to access illegal solariums or tanning beds, even going to great lengths to avoid suspicion. However, it is clear that tanning bed use had already decreased significantly in Australia before the ban was fully implemented in 2016.
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Australia's history with bronzed skin
Australia has a history of valuing tanned skin, with the "bronzed Aussie" being a well-known stereotype. This is reflected in Australian media, where magazines and advertisements often feature models and celebrities with tanned skin. Despite sun protection campaigns like "Slip Slop Slap" in the 1980s, the desire for tanned skin has persisted, especially among female adolescents.
In the early 2000s, Australia began to take steps to regulate the use of commercial tanning beds due to growing concerns about the health risks associated with ultraviolet radiation exposure. By 2010, regulations were in place across all states and territories to ban high-risk individuals, such as those with pale skin that burns easily, as well as minors under 18 years old, from using commercial tanning beds.
However, it was the tragic deaths of young Australians, like Clare Oliver in 2007, that brought the dangers of tanning beds into the national spotlight. Clare lobbied for a ban on tanning beds in the months leading up to her death from melanoma at just 25 years old. She was adamant that tanning beds had contributed to her illness.
Following Clare's death and increasing public health advocacy, several Australian states announced a total ban on commercial tanning beds, effective at the end of 2014. The remaining states and territories followed suit soon after, and by 2016, commercial tanning salons were banned across Australia. This made Australia the second country in the world, after Brazil, to implement such bans.
Despite the ban, some Australians continue to use illegal solariums or find alternative ways to achieve tanned skin, even with the knowledge of the associated health risks. This persistence in valuing tanned skin over sun protection showcases the deep-rooted cultural ideals of beauty in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Tanning beds were banned in Australia in 2014. However, some sources state that tanning salons were banned in 2016.
Tanning beds were banned in Australia due to their association with an increased risk of melanoma.
No, tanning beds have been banned across all states and territories in Australia. However, it is still legal to own a tanning bed in your home as long as it is not used for commercial purposes.
