Sunbed Ban Anniversary: No Tan Worth Dying For
Source: The Mirage, January 2025
This January marks the 10th anniversary of the commercial solarium ban in Australia, however, data shows many Australians are still suntanning and have poor sun protection behaviours. Commercial solariums, also known as sunbeds or tanning beds, are classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in the highest risk category, Group 1: carcinogenic to humans.
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes up to 95% of melanomas, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Prior to the commercial solarium ban, it was estimated each year that more than 2800 skin cancer cases and 43 melanoma-related deaths were attributable to solarium use, costing the Australian health system around $3 million. While commercial solariums have been banned for the past decade, private ownership and personal use of solariums remained legal and unregulated. Recently, modified sunbeds have emerged, called collariums or collagen beds, which are promoted as a healthy alternative to solariums despite emitting UV radiation and thus increasing a persons risk of developing skin cancer. Professor Anne Cust, Chair of Cancer Councils National Skin Cancer Committee, says the rise of collariums is concerning as it contributes to Australias culture of glamorising a suntan, and because Australians are continuing to put themselves at risk of developing skin cancer to get a suntan.
Overexposure to UV radiation, whether its in a sunbed or outdoors, is the greatest risk factor for skin cancer. A suntan is an indication that youre doing damage to your skin. There is no such thing as a safe suntan