By REBECCA BILLS
A MOUNT Evelyn spray tan operator has welcomed new legislation which bans sun beds.
Spray Tans by Sally owner Sally Robbins said women in their early 20s preferred spray tanning because of campaigns highlighting the dangers of solariums.
Legislation banning solariums in Victoria from 2015 was passed through Parliament last month, following the Coalition government’s commitment to outlaw sun beds.
Miss Robbins believes most tanning companies around the hills have already stopped using solariums.
“Of course some people still use them, you are either one or the other, but solariums are known to increase the chances significantly of people getting cancer,” she said.
Minister for Health David Davis said Victoria commenced regulation of solaria in February 2008 but four year later the Coalition government recognised that more needed to be done.
“The Coalition government noted that of all cancers, skin cancer represents one of the most significant cost burdens on our health system and adversely affects the health of many Victorians,” he said.
“The clear weight of medical evidence supports a ban on solaria.
“The decision to ban solaria in Victoria is in line with similar provisions announced in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania.”
Currently, there are 112 business licenced to operate 385 commercial tanning units at 118 sites throughout Victoria.
Mr Davis said Clinical Network (formerly the Victorian Cooperative Oncology Group), supported by Cancer Council Victoria and co-signed by 161 health professionals, made one of more than 200 submissions to the Coalition Government calling for a ban on commercial tanning units.
“The framework outlines how we will co-ordinate an effective and sustainable approach to skin cancer prevention over the next five years,” he said.
“The announcement of the ban’s timeframe in December 2012 has given businesses the time required to diversify their services or develop alternatives to harmful ultra-violet tanning before the ban takes effect in 2015.
“The banning of commercial tanning units will, over-time, contribute to reducing the incidence of the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.”
