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Artificial tanning

Solariums and sun beds are not a safe way to tan.

Many people don’t know that sun beds release ultraviolet radiation (UVR), just like the sun.

UVR damages skin cells and can lead to skin cancer. In fact, UVR from sun beds can be up to 3 times stronger than UVR from the midday summer sun.

If having a tan is important to you, your safest option is a fake tan. But remember, there is no sun protection factor (SPF) in fake tanning lotions and sprays.

You still need to protect yourself when you are outdoors.

Laws for solariums in Queensland

  • Solarium owners or operators must be licensed—if you use a solarium, ask to see their licence.
  • It is illegal for solariums to let people under 18 use their sun beds.
  • It is illegal for solariums to let fair-skinned people who can’t tan and always burn to use their sun beds.
  • For people who can tan, sun bed exposure must still be controlled for their safety.
  • Solarium clients must sign a consent form before using a sun bed. 
  • Legislation (PDF, 180KB) has been in place since 1 January 2013, which does not allow the establishment of new solarium businesses, and also prevents the expansion of existing solarium businesses.

 

Sun Effects Booth app

Our free iPhone app shows how your current behaviour in the sun can result in damage to your face and skin. View a simulation of the potential sun damage and how you might age.

Available on the App Store

Download the app.  Note: requires iTunes.

Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated
22 April 2013

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