NICHOLAS MCDONALD

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.