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.
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.
It has been estimated that each year in Australia, 281 new melanoma cases, 43 melanoma-related deaths, and 2,572 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma are attributable to solarium use, at a cost to the health system of around $3 million.
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.
If you must have a tan, then use fake tan, but remember that sun protection is still required.
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:
- Solariums and tanning [pdf 103K] for more about tanning, solariums, responsibilities of solarium operators, health hazards of solariums and fake tanning options
- Solariums: Fashion to die for [pdf 381K] tells some personal stories from girls who have used solariums and outlines the myths and facts about sunbeds
