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In 2015, commercial solariums were banned in Australia due to the serious health risks associated with their use. Exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds can cause skin cancer, eye damage, and premature skin aging. Despite the ban, some Australians continue to use solariums, and there is a rise in collariums, which are essentially rebranded solariums that emit UVA radiation and are marketed as healthy alternatives to sunbeds. While private ownership and personal use of solariums in Australian homes remain legal and unregulated, strong compliance and enforcement measures have been implemented to control commercial solarium operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the ban | Exposure to UV radiation in sunbeds causes skin cancer, eye damage and premature skin ageing. |
| Year of the ban | 2015 (excluding Western Australia, which banned them in 2016) |
| Exceptions | Commercial solariums are still legal in the Northern Territory. Private ownership and personal use of solariums are legal in all states and territories. |
| Enforcement | The Department of Health takes enforcement action, including seizing sunbeds and prosecuting commercial tanning operators. |
| Penalties | A maximum of 60 penalty units for a natural person and 300 penalty units for a body corporate. |
| Rebranding concerns | Collariums, a type of device that emits UV radiation, are being promoted as a healthy alternative to sunbeds. |
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What You'll Learn
Commercial solariums banned in Australia due to health risks
Commercial solariums have been banned in Australia since 2015 due to the serious health risks associated with their use. The ban was enacted under the Radiation Act 2005, which makes it illegal to conduct commercial tanning practices, including providing or operating tanning units for a fee.
The use of solariums, or sunbeds, has been linked to exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause skin cancer, eye damage, and premature skin ageing. Research prior to the ban estimated that solarium use in Australia contributed to 281 new melanoma cases, 43 melanoma-related deaths, and 2,572 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma annually.
While the ban has been successful in curbing commercial solarium operations, there are still reports of individuals using solariums in their private homes, either personally or by commercializing sunbed use for others. The private ownership and personal use of solariums remain legal and unregulated in all states and territories of Australia.
Cancer Council Australia, the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and the Australasian College of Dermatologists strongly advise against using artificial UV radiation tanning devices for cosmetic purposes under any circumstances. They do not, however, advocate for a complete ban on the private ownership of solariums in residential settings.
Despite the ban, there is a recent rise in the use of 'collariums', which are essentially rebranded solariums. These devices are marketed as healthy alternatives to sunbeds, claiming to provide longer-lasting tans and stimulate collagen production. Experts, including cancer epidemiologists, warn that these claims are misleading and that the UV radiation emitted by collariums, particularly UVA radiation, can penetrate the skin, break down collagen, and cause skin ageing and damage.
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Private solarium ownership and use remain legal
Commercial solariums have been banned in Australia since 2015 due to the serious health risks associated with their use. However, private solarium ownership and use remain legal in all states and territories.
The ban on commercial solariums means that it is illegal to provide or offer the use of a tanning unit for a fee. It is also an offence to operate or offer to operate a tanning unit for a fee. These offences are outlined in the Radiation Act 2005, and the Department of Health has successfully prosecuted individuals for breaches of this Act.
Despite the ban, some Australians continue to use illegal solariums, and there has been a recent rise in the use of "collariums," which are promoted as a healthy alternative to sunbeds. However, collariums emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is known to cause skin cancer, eye damage, and premature skin ageing.
While private solarium ownership and use are legal, the Cancer Council Australia, the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and the Australasian College of Dermatologists do not recommend the use of artificial UV radiation tanning devices for cosmetic purposes under any circumstances. The Cancer Council has stated that it does not currently call for an outright ban on private solarium ownership, as the number of private solariums in Australian homes remains low. However, the Council has said it will review its position if the health impact of private solariums becomes more apparent.
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Cancer risks associated with solariums
Commercial solariums were banned in Australia in 2015 due to the serious health risks associated with their use. One of the primary concerns is the risk of cancer, particularly skin cancer and ocular melanoma.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from artificial sources, such as sunbeds and tanning beds, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Research prior to the ban estimated that 281 new melanoma cases, 43 melanoma-related deaths, and 2,572 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma were attributable to solarium use in Australia annually.
UV radiation, specifically UVA and UVB rays, can cause damage to the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and create unstable compounds that lead to cancerous growths. On the other hand, UVB rays promote cancer-causing mutations by directly affecting the DNA strand.
While some modern solariums may emit a UVA to UVB ratio that simulates natural sun exposure, this does not necessarily make them safer. The World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have reviewed the adverse effects of UV radiation from indoor tanning equipment, highlighting the health risks associated with solarium use.
Additionally, the Cancer Council Australia, the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and the Australasian College of Dermatologists do not recommend the use of artificial UV radiation tanning devices for cosmetic purposes under any circumstances. They have not called for a complete ban on private solarium ownership but recommend against their use due to the associated health risks.
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Enforcement of solarium ban
Commercial solariums were banned in Australia in 2015 due to health concerns. The ban makes it illegal for any person to provide the use of a tanning bed for a fee. However, private ownership and personal use of solariums remain legal and unregulated.
The ban on commercial solariums is enforced by state and territory governments, which have implemented strong compliance and enforcement measures to control commercial solarium operations. The Department of Health also plays a crucial role in enforcing the ban and has successfully prosecuted offences related to commercial tanning operations. Enforcement actions may include seizing sunbeds and tanning beds and prosecuting commercial tanning operators.
The use of tanning units for commercial purposes is a criminal offence under the Radiation Act 2005. The maximum penalty for this offence in the case of a natural person is 60 penalty units, while for a body corporate, the maximum penalty is 300 penalty units. Each possible contravention is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and if a decision is made to prosecute, the individual or entity is notified in writing as soon as possible.
Reports of illegal commercial operations are escalated to the relevant state or territory government department, which is responsible for investigating and enforcing the ban. This area is continuously monitored, and if the health impact of solariums in private homes becomes more apparent, the Cancer Council's position on private ownership may be reviewed.
The Cancer Council Australia, the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and the Australasian College of Dermatologists advise against the use of artificial UV radiation tanning devices for cosmetic purposes. They recommend Australians embrace their natural skin tone and make sun protection a daily part of their routine. Additionally, data from surveys reveals that Australians are not adequately protecting themselves from the sun, with young people being less likely to use adequate sun protection.
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History of tanning in Australia
Tanning has a long and complex history, with its perception varying across different societies and time periods. In Ancient Egypt, for instance, tanned skin may have been associated with outdoor labour, indicating a lower social status. In contrast, during the Industrial Revolution, the nature of work shifted for the working class, who were now labouring indoors in factories, resulting in paler skin. At the same time, the wealthy had the leisure time and financial means to pursue outdoor activities and vacations, associating tanned skin with a higher social status. This perception was further popularised by fashion icon Coco Chanel in the 1920s, and it continues to persist in modern times, with tanned skin often considered a beauty ideal.
In Australia, the pursuit of tanning is influenced by a range of factors, including cultural norms, social media influences, and the country's abundant sunshine. Australians have long been exposed to public health campaigns aimed at reducing sun exposure to prevent skin cancer and melanoma, the most well-known being the "Slip, Slop, Slap" campaign, which was launched in 1981 and later expanded to include "Seek (shade) and Slide (on sunglasses)". Despite these efforts, tanning remains popular among young Australians, who are often influenced by social media content that glamorises tanning and demonises sunscreen.
The use of solariums, or sunbeds, has been a particular area of concern in Australia due to their emission of artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a known risk factor for skin cancer, eye damage, and premature skin ageing. As a result, commercial solariums were banned in Australia, with the exception of the Northern Territory. This ban was implemented through legislation such as the Radiation Act 2005 in Victoria, which prohibits the commercial provision and operation of tanning units for a fee.
Despite the ban, there is a recent rise in the use of collariums, which are essentially rebranded solariums, causing concern among health experts. These devices are marketed as healthy alternatives to traditional sunbeds, claiming to provide benefits such as longer-lasting tans and collagen stimulation. However, they still emit UV radiation, particularly UVA radiation, which penetrates the skin and causes damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer. 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Commercial solariums were banned in Australia in 2015 due to the serious health risks associated with their use. Exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds can cause skin cancer, eye damage, and premature skin ageing.
Providing commercial solarium services in Australia is a criminal offence under the Radiation Act 2005. The maximum penalty for a natural person is 60 penalty units, while for a body corporate, it is 300 penalty units.
Yes, it is legal to own and use a solarium in your own home in Australia, as long as no fee is charged for its use.
Yes, alternatives to solariums include fake tanning products and natural sun exposure. However, it is important to practice sun safety and protect your skin from excessive UV radiation exposure.
