Cancer Council Queensland has called on the Queensland Government to ban solariums, following a ban announced today by the New South Wales Government.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson, Anne Savage, said a total ban was the only way to stop Queenslanders from developing potentially deadly skin cancers linked to solarium use.

Evidence has shown a direct link between solarium use and skin cancer.

No solarium can provide a safe tan.

While current regulations in Queensland are progressive, we’re calling on the Queensland Government to ban solariums altogether.

A total ban phased in over three years would eliminate any future risks of Queenslanders developing skin cancer from solarium use.”

The call comes on World Cancer Day today.

Research shows that using a solarium before 30 years of age increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma by 75 per cent.

Other adverse health effects include premature aging, such as wrinkling, irregular pigmentation and altered skin texture, as well as eye damage.

“Fair skinned people and young people are particularly vulnerable.

“Solarium use can be lethal and all users are at significantly increased risk of dying prematurely from a preventable disease.”

Ms Savage said current regulations in Queensland demonstrate the Queensland Government’s commitment to protecting public health, but more needed to be done.

“We are calling for bipartisan support for a total ban on solariums in Queensland, to be phased in over three years.

“As a community we must stand up to prevent cancer.

“Solariums emit UVB and UVA radiation and are known to cause all types of skin cancer, including melanoma.

“More than 2,600 Queenslanders face a potentially life-threatening diagnosis of melanoma each year and nearly 300 Queenslanders die of the disease.

“With community and Government support, we can end the tragic epidemic of skin cancer in Queensland.”

ENDS.