Australia and New Zealand have long been revered for leading the way in indoor tanning legislation. Their progressive and essential ban on commercial tanning beds, or solariums, has served as inspiration for other countries trying to "ban the tan," including the United States.
However, even though commercial tanning salons have been banned for over a decade, Australian citizens continue to burn. Read on for the history of tanning in Australia, their nationwide ban, and what is going on with private tanning beds.
The History of Tanning in Australia
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with just about 2 out of 3 Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their life. This incidence rate is partly attributed to Australia's geographical location, the summer sun is 7 to 10 percent stronger than similar latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Even with this knowledge in mind, there is still an active tanning culture spearheaded by the belief that tanned skin equates to health and beauty, especially among younger Australians.
However, the geographical location and outdoor tanning aren't the only culprits adding to the high incidence rates of skin cancer. Indoor tanning has also been a pressing topic for over a decade.
Australia Skin Cancer Statistics
- Over 95% of skin cancers are attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- The Cancer Council Australia estimates that before the ban, tanning bed usage cost the Australian health system around $3 million annually.
- Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with just about 2 out of 3 Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their life.
- The three main types of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. Melanoma only accounts for 1%, but it does the most harm.
Even with these sobering stats in mind, many Australians still seek out harmful tanning opportunities. There's a growing trend among young Australian women, including girls as young as 12, who are glorifying sun tanning and taking pride in bikini tan lines. This behavior is often showcased on social media platforms.
What to Know About Indoor Tanning
Tanning beds emit concentrated UV radiation that is significantly more intense than natural sunlight. Research has shown that using a tanning bed before the age of 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 59%. UV exposure from tanning beds can also cause premature aging, immune system suppression, and irreversible skin damage. Despite these risks, the allure of a tan continues to drive some Australians to seek out indoor tanning options, even in the face of legal restrictions.
Moreover, in 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified tanning beds as a Group 1 carcinogen—the same category as tobacco. This classification underscores the severity of the health risks associated with indoor tanning. Public health campaigns in Australia aim to raise awareness of these dangers, but the cultural association between tanned skin and beauty remains a powerful influence.
The Dangers of Tanning Beds: Indoor Tanning Risks
Australia's Ban on Commercial Tanning Salons
In 2016, Australia enacted a nationwide ban on commercial tanning beds in all territories and states to try an reduce the number of skin cancer instances. This ban made it illegal for commercial tanning salons to operate.
To aid in the transition away from indoor tanning services, the government in some Australian states operated a "buy-back" campaign to reduce the number of tanning beds resold to individuals for personal use.
So, how do tanning beds continue to burn in Australia despite the ban? While the "buy-back" campaign was relatively effective, a very small market for private tanning beds remains. The use of private or personal tanning beds is not illegal. With that knowledge in mind, there have also been several accounts of individuals trying to skirt the rules and rent out their personal tanning beds. This does cross the line into what's considered illegal usage and commercial tanning.
Final Thoughts on Australia's Tanning Culture
While Australia remains at the forefront of anti-tanning legislation and skin cancer research, they are still struggling with the same issue we are in the United States: this perception that tan equates to beauty. (Hello, Kim Kardashian & you're tanning bed, we're still looking at you.) Many people, especially young people, believe that the harmful effects of sun tanning "won't affect them." There is a common notion of invincibility that continues to persuade many to seek out harmful tanning practices versus spray tans or self-tanning products.
As education surrounding skin cancer begins to spread more rapidly, hopefully, the messages of sun safety begin to overpower those of sun worshiping.
Curious to learn more? January's episode of the Ultraviolet Tide podcast dives further into what is going on in Australia and New Zealand. Listen to the episode here.