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NSW Needs Laws For Solarium Use Too |
AMA (NSW) has urged the NSW government to follow the lead of other states with laws regulating the use of solariums.
“Victoria and South Australia introduced laws this year, and Western Australia has announced plans for new regulations. Solarium tanning can cause cancer and it is time to replace self regulation in NSW with enforceable laws,” said AMA (NSW) President Dr Andrew Keegan.
“The minimum age for solarium use should be raised from 15 to 18 years, the age recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Exposure to UV radiation in childhood and youth greatly increases the risk of skin cancer at a later age. “It is wrong to assume that solariums are safer than sun exposure if they are used for a short time.
Solariums can emit UV radiation, the most important risk factor for skin cancer, at five times the strength of the midday sun. “Solarium use has no health benefits, only significant dangers. “Operators should be licensed and employ trained staff. A law or regulation would allow inspection of premises to ensure legal use and the display of warnings,” Dr Keegan said.
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