Damon Mcknight
Tanning beds have been illegal in Australia since 2019, when most states and territories banned commercial tanning beds. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and public health campaigners have long warned that tanning on a tanning bed is unsafe. The ban was supported by a majority of Australians and came about after lobbying from melanoma survivors and the Cancer Council Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for ban | Tanning beds increase the risk of skin cancer |
| Country with similar ban | Brazil |
| Date of ban | 1 January 2019 |
| States implementing the ban | New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia |
| Penalty for violation | Fines ranging from $1,500 to $68,500 |
| Support for the ban | Majority of Australians, Cancer Council Australia, Professor Mann (Melanoma Institute Australia), public health campaigners |
| Conspiracy theories | Pharmaceutical companies benefit from the ban by selling more sunscreen and other sun-protection products |
| Criticism of the ban | Lack of research on the impact of sunbeds on skin cancer in Australia, restriction on individual choice |
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What You'll Learn
High skin cancer rates
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Queensland, for example, has the highest rate of skin cancer globally. The country's proximity to Antarctica, where there is a hole in the ozone layer, increases the risk of UV exposure.
The incidence of skin cancers in Australia is two to three times the rates in Canada, the United States, and Britain. Skin cancer affects two out of three Australians by the age of 70.
Research by the Melanoma Institute Australia found that people who had more than 10 solarium visits in their life had a seven-times increased risk of melanoma. Previous research has also suggested that the use of tanning beds by people aged 18 to 39 increases their risk of developing melanoma by an average of 41%.
In 2012, a melanoma survivor, Melissa Sheldon, issued a warning to others thinking of using tanning beds in Australia. Her melanoma spread to her lungs and brain, and doctors suspected it was due to her sunbed use.
Despite the ban, some people in Australia continue to seek commercial solariums, as evidenced by dozens of advertisements on Gumtree from people looking for a commercial solarium. However, the ban on commercial tanning beds in Australia is expected to reduce the rates of skin cancer.
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Public health campaigns
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two out of three Australians affected by skin cancer by the age of 70. The country's proximity to Antarctica, where there is a hole in the ozone layer, increases the risk of exposure to UV rays.
Public health campaigners have long pushed to promote awareness of the dangers of sun exposure, urging people to wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. They have also warned that tanning on a tanning bed is unsafe. Queensland's interim Health Minister Mark McArdle stated that there is a direct link between regular sunbed use and the incidence of malignant melanoma.
The efforts of public health campaigns and cancer survivors have contributed to the ban on commercial tanning beds in most Australian states and territories. Melanoma survivor Melissa Sheldon, for example, shared her story to warn others about the dangers of solarium use. She was diagnosed with melanoma in 2012 and given 12 months to live. Her doctors suspected that her cancer was linked to solarium use. Sheldon said that people profiting from solariums were "profiting off people's lives".
While there has been some criticism of the sunbed ban, with arguments that it shows political incompetence and disrespect for individuals' choices, the majority of Australians supported the ban according to a survey of 6,300 people. The ban is expected to help reduce the high rates of skin cancer in Australia and save lives.
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Solarium users' testimonies
"I used to go to a tanning salon in Australia, and I would always use the tanning beds. I thought it was a safe way to get a tan, and I never worried about the risks. But then I started to notice some changes in my skin. I would get sunburnt easily, and my skin would feel irritated and swollen. I decided to stop using the tanning beds, but the damage was already done. Now, I'm much more careful about exposing my skin to the sun, and I wish I had known the risks earlier." – Anonymous, former solarium user.
"I worked at a tanning salon in Melbourne for a few years, and we had a lot of regular customers. Many of them were young women who wanted to maintain a bronzed look all year round. I remember one particular customer who would come in almost every week. She was in her early 20s and had been using solariums since she was a teenager. Unfortunately, she was later diagnosed with skin cancer, and it really affected her life. It was a stark reminder of the dangers of solarium use." – Sarah, former solarium employee.
"As someone who struggled with body image issues, I turned to solariums to feel better about myself. I thought having a tan would make me look healthier and more attractive. I started using tanning beds a few times a month, and I saw a noticeable difference in my skin tone. But then I started hearing about the health risks associated with solariums. I decided to do some research, and that's when I learned about the link between solarium use and skin cancer. I immediately stopped using tanning beds and switched to self-tanning products instead. Looking back, I wish I hadn't taken the risk with my health just for the sake of a tan." – Emily, former solarium user.
"I was a regular solarium user for many years, and I never experienced any negative side effects. I understood the risks associated with UV radiation, but I was careful to follow the recommended exposure times and use protective eye goggles. However, when the commercial ban on solariums was announced, I decided to stop using them altogether. I now accept my natural skin tone and focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle instead." – Olivia, former solarium user.
"I remember when solariums first became popular in Australia, and many of my friends started using them. I was always hesitant to try it because of the health risks, but I eventually gave in to peer pressure. After just a few sessions, I noticed that my skin was more sensitive and prone to sunburn. Thankfully, I didn't experience any severe side effects, but it was a wake-up call for me. I stopped using solariums and started speaking out about the dangers to my friends and family." – Sophie, former solarium user.
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Government incompetence
Tanning beds have been banned in Australia since 2019 due to the link between their use and the development of skin cancer, specifically melanoma. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and the incidence of skin cancers in Australia is two to three times the rates in Canada, the United States, and Britain.
Some people have criticized the ban, arguing that it is an example of government incompetence and overreach. They believe that individuals should be able to make their own decisions about their health and that the government should not impose blanket restrictions. These critics argue that the ban will have little impact on reducing skin cancer rates, as only a small percentage of Australians use sunbeds, and there is limited research on the number of sunbed users among those who have been diagnosed with skin cancer.
Additionally, conspiracy theories have emerged suggesting that the "SunSmart" campaign and the sunbed ban are influenced by commercial interests. It is speculated that companies selling sun protection products, such as L'Oréal and Galderma, benefit from promoting fear about sunlight and sunbeds, ultimately increasing their sales. The role of "Big Pharma" is also questioned, as reduced UV exposure may lead to increased reliance on medications.
While these arguments against the ban highlight individual freedom and economic implications, they do not negate the substantial health risks associated with tanning beds. The ban was supported by a majority of Australians and public health campaigners who recognized the dangers of UV radiation from indoor tanning. Additionally, several European countries and American states have also restricted or banned the use of tanning beds by minors, recognizing the potential harm to younger individuals.
Overall, while some may view the tanning bed ban in Australia as an instance of government incompetence, it is primarily a public health measure aimed at reducing the country's high skin cancer rates.
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Lack of research
Tanning beds have been banned in Australia since 2019 due to concerns about the high incidence of skin cancer in the country. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and melanoma is the most common form of cancer among young Australians.
However, there is a lack of research on the specific impact of sunbed use in Australia. While it is known that UV radiation from sun exposure is a proven human carcinogen, the direct link between sunbed use and skin cancer has not been extensively studied in the Australian context. One source claims that no research has been conducted on the number of melanoma cases in Australia attributed to sunbed use.
This lack of research has led to some criticism of the sunbed ban, with suggestions that it is an overreaction or even a conspiracy driven by commercial interests. Some argue that sunbeds are just one of many ways to get UV exposure and that it is impossible to isolate them as a singular cause of skin cancer. They point to the low number of sunbed users in Australia and question the effectiveness of the ban in reducing cancer rates.
Additionally, the sunbed ban has been criticized for not addressing the underlying issue of Australia's proximity to Antarctica, where there is a hole in the ozone layer, resulting in increased UV exposure for Australians. It is argued that early screening campaigns and sun protection advice would be more effective in reducing skin cancer rates than banning sunbeds.
Despite the lack of comprehensive research on the direct link between sunbeds and skin cancer in Australia, the available evidence from other countries and the high risk of skin cancer in Australia likely influenced the decision to implement the ban as a preventive measure.
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Frequently asked questions
Tanning beds have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, with one study showing that people who had used a solarium more than 10 times in their life had a seven-times higher risk of developing melanoma. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and the government hopes that banning tanning beds will help reduce this number.
Tanning beds, also known as sunbeds or solariums, are devices that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation to produce a cosmetic tan.
Tanning beds were banned in Australia in 2019, with the state of New South Wales being the first to implement the ban in 2014.
Yes, Brazil was the first country to ban indoor tanning, and several other countries, including the United States, have banned the use of tanning beds by minors.
Some alternatives to tanning beds include sunbathing, spray tans, or self-tanning lotions and creams. It is important to remember that any form of UV radiation exposure, including sunbathing, can increase the risk of skin cancer, so always practice sun safety by seeking shade, wearing sunscreen, and covering up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
