Solariums
Contrary to what some people believe, solariums are NOT ‘safe tanning’ devices. Research has shown that they increase your risk of developing skin cancer including melanoma. In fact a recent study by The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that using solarium regularly before the age of 35 boosted ones risk of developing melanoma by 75% and also increased the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. An even more recent study suggested that the increased risk of melanoma could be as much as 98%.
In a recent yellow pages audit into the increase in solariums in urban Australia (1992- 2006) by the Cancer Council, Canberra was recorded at having a 425% increase in solarium operators since 1996. This did not include gyms and beauty parlors. The only other major cities to exceed this increase was Melbourne (576%) and Perth (1000%).
Currently there is no commonwealth level regulation of the solarium industry in Australia, only a voluntary code of conduct developed by Standards Australia- AS/NZS 2635:2002. However recently several state governments have regulated this dangerous industry in their jurisdiction. The Cancer Council ACT continues to encourage and support The ACT Government to do likewise.
For information on the current standard visit Standards Australia.
For more information on the dangers of solariums read our Information Sheet Solariums and Tanning or download The Cancer Council’s Position Statement on Solariums.
The Clare Oliver Melanoma Fund
Anti -solarium campaigner Clare Oliver who died last year at the age of 26 from melanoma, recorded an emotional TV advirtisment to remind teens of the real dangers of using solariums.
State and Territory governments are being urged to regulate this dangerous industry.
Visit The Clare Oliver Melanoma Fund.
Read Media Releases
Under 18s and the very fair to be banned from using solaria in WA
 Solarium industry regulated in Australian first-Dec 2007
AMA- Urgent Regulation of Solariums needed- September 2007
Cancer Council applauds Prime Minister’s call for solarium regulation - August 2007
Growth in solariums alarm skin cancer experts -April 2007
Research Papers
The Increase in solariums in Australia 1992-2006
The health effect of using solaria and potential cost-effectivness of enforcing solaria regulation in Australia (2007)
Fake tans
The Cancer Council does not promote the perception that tanned skin is more desirable than pale skin. Read more in The Cancer Council’s Position Statement – Fake tans and UV radiation. If people do opt for a fake tan it is important that they understand that a fake tan does not offer any sun protection and a combination of the 5 national sun protection measures are still applicable.
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