The Tasmanian Greens today called for a phase-out of sunbeds in Tasmania, as an essential preventative health measure to reduce the incidence of skin cancer and melanoma.
Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said that the New South Wales Liberal Government had led the way by phasing out sunbeds by 2014, and now Tasmania needs to catch up.
“There’s a widespread perception that solarium tans are a safer alternative to sun tanning, but the evidence is clear that tanning beds kill,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“Tanning beds are categorised as a grade one carcinogen by the International Agency for Research in Cancer, which is the same rating given to asbestos.”
“Clearly following a similar phase-out process as that of New South Wales is a good example of a preventative health policy approach. It will save lives and reduce financial costs as taxpayers.”
“Banning solariums would be a positive step in reducing the incidence of melanoma and the associated suffering and costs.”
“Commercial operators have been aware of moves to ban tanning beds for a number of years, and Tasmania already has restrictions in place. A phase-out is needed to provide time for operators to adjust, but the Greens believe the timeframe should be earlier than 2014 deadline in New South Wales.”
“The Greens stand ready to work constructively with both Labor and Liberal to progress this measure by way of legislation,” Mr O’Halloran said.
