Solariums
Solariums use ultraviolet (UV) radiation to give people a tan. The levels of UV radiation emitted can be up to six times as strong as the midday sun.
A tan is not a sign of good health. There is no such thing as a safe tan – whether from the sun or a solarium. Tanning is a sign your skin cells are in trauma and the more your skin is exposed to UV radiation, the greater your risk of skin cancer.
Research shows that people who use a solarium before the age of 35 have a 75% greater risk of melanoma than those who do not use solariums. Research published in 2011 shows some solarium users are being exposed to UV levels up to six times the strength of the midday sun.
If you must have a tan, then use fake tan, but remember that sun protection is still required.
Download:
- Solariums and tanning [pdf 103K] for more information about tanning, solariums, the responsibilities of solarium operators, the health hazards of solariums and fake tanning options.
- Solariums: Fashion to die for [pdf 381K] which tells some personal stories from girls who have used solariums and outlines the myths and facts about sunbeds.
Solarium standards
Find out what the new solarium regulations mean for operators and customers.
Personal stories
What price would you pay for a tan – your life? Read about Kate McCammond who thought solariums were safe until diagnosed with a stage 4 melanoma and Saffron Styles who never expected that using a solarium would give her a melanoma as well as a tan.
Also refer to:
- World Health Organization, Intersun Programme for frequently asked questions relating to sunbeds
- UV radiation: Health risks for information about the dangers of UV radiation exposure from the sun or solarium
- Department of Health for more information on the Victorian solarium regulations
- Standards Australia for more information on the Australian Standard for the solarium industry: AS/NZS 2635
