Tanning no safer in the solarium than on the beach

Recent research released by QIMR has put paid to the myth that the solarium is a safer option than the sun drenched beach for that good looking tan.

The research was commissioned by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and conducted by Dr Louisa Gordon and Mr Nicholas Hirst. It sought to determine the health effects of using solaria and the potential cost-effectiveness of enforcing solaria regulations in Australia.

Australia has among the highest ambient ultra violet radiation (UVR) levels in the world with most states having more intense UVR in winter compared to European countries in summer. All ultra violet radiation causes damage at the cellular level, and solaria are a source of both UVA and UVB.

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Melanoma incidence has increased rapidly by 41% from 1993-2003, the highest increase of any cancer in Australia.

The change in the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and basal cell carcinoma (BCCs) since 2002 is unknown,  but is likely to have risen as well.

The results of 21 studies show that individuals who have ‘ever used’ solaria have a 22% increased risk of developing melanoma compared to those who have never used solaria. This risk is elevated when persons first use solaria under the age of 35 years (98%) and for women (71%).

Using a crude model, less than one per cent of all UVR-attributable melanoma deaths would be attributable to solarium use or approximately one to seven melanoma deaths each year.

The growth of the solaria industry in Australia has increased four-fold since 1992. Given the current burden imposed by skin cancer, future growth in the solaria industry will continue to inflate this human and economic cost in years to come.