Solariums in Queensland to close late 2014

Leave a CommentSolariums in Queensland to close late 2014News

NICHOLAS MCDONALD

Tanning beds are more harm than good says Australia's cancer council
Tanning beds are more harm than good says Australia’s cancer council Source: Flickr

The Queensland Government has passed legislation banning solariums to the praise of leading cancer groups.

From December 2014 all solariums will be switched off in an effort to curb the state’s high skin cancer rate.

Queensland’s Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said in a statement that the legislation has come in response to growing awareness of the hazards of solarium use.

“Queenslanders have becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of ultraviolet radiation in recent years and we have listened to their concerns regarding the ongoing existence of solariums in this state,” Mr Springborg said.

The announcement has drawn praise from Queensland cancer groups who say the ban will protect vulnerable citizens from exposure to hazardous levels of UV radiation.

Cancer council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn says the writing is on the wall about solariums and welcomed the Minister’s announcement.

“This is an important law to protect Queenslanders against melanoma and other potentially fatal skin cancers,” Professor Dunn said.

“The evidence is clear, sunbeds can be lethal.
“We congratulate Health Minister Lawrence Springborg for his leadership on this issue.”
Mr Dunn also drew attention to the hazards of solarium use and the effect it has had on the state.
“There is no such thing as a safe way to use solariums – unprotected exposure to UV radiation is extremely dangerous,” he said.

“Tanning has taken a tragic toll on Queensland lives.”
The Government has announced a compensation package to help businesses transition to a solarium-free Queensland and Minister Springborg is confident there will be little disruption to their services.
“Consultation with the industry has shown businesses feel confident in being able to transition away from the use of UV tanning products without adversely impacting the business,” he said.
“While affected businesses were forewarned that licenses would not be renewed, the Government would still adopt a model for compensation and disposal.”
The Government will offer $1000 in compensation for each machine in a scheme totalling $160,000.

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