NSW look to ban sunbeds in 2014

2012-02-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

INTANZ believes the decision by NSW to ban that state's solarium industry is both
erroneous and short-sighted.
A ban on the commercial provision of sunbed services to consenting adults will not only
prejudice many small businesses in the extreme, but also give rise to a surfeit
of sunbed equipment available for members of the public to acquire and run in
their own homes- where no restriction or regulation of use is possible.
Along with the obvious point that there can be no such ban enacted on the sun itself- the
primary source of exposure to UV light for Australians- such a draconian law,
if enforced, is unlikely to further the collective goal to see an improvement
in public health outcomes for skin cancer.
INTANZ is unaware of any intention by New Zealand authorities to discuss a similar ban
on the tiny local sunbed industry.
We see the first step as workable regulation, which we re-iterate our position of support
for- provided the industry is appropriately collaborated with.
The voluntary standard contains guidelines sufficient to support the responsible
provision of sunbed services to consenting adults. INTANZ remains committed to
working with both government authorities and sunbed operators to improve
adherence to these guidelines.

Sunbed Legislation and UV Education

2010-07-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

INTANZ, the newly formed Indoor Tanning Association of New Zealand agrees
with the Cancer Society that introduction of sunbed legislation or regulation
would be a positive move for the indoor tanning industry and the public provided
it is developed in a collaborative and cooperative manner. Education about the
benefits and risks of UV exposure (inside on a sunbed or outside from sunshine)
is also key in our fight against melanoma and improving the health of New
Zealanders.

One of INTANZ’s main aims is to assist with raising the standard of practice of
the indoor tanning industry in New Zealand. Legislation which promotes good
tanning practices including sunburn avoidance and UV exposure appropriate to
individuals’ skin types would be beneficial to ensure the health and wellbeing of
sunbed users.

There is risk with all activities in life. INTANZ also aims to help the public
understand both the benefits and risks with sunbed use & UV exposure in order
that they can make an informed choice. Last year the International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC) included sunbeds in Category 1. Reports that state
this puts tanning beds in the same category as tobacco, arsenic and asbestos
are scaremongering if they do not also state this is also the same category as red
wine, beer, salted fish and of course sunshine.

A number of IARC studies show that there is no increased risk of getting
melanoma when using sunbeds. Often reported is that the IARC studies highlight
that if sunbed usage starts before age 30 the risk of melanoma is increased by
75%. When the palest skin types (skin type 1) who should not be using a sunbed
are removed this study is also in line with other studies that shows NO increase
in the risk of melanoma from sunbed use.

Whether you get your UV exposure inside on a sunbed or outside from the
sunshine you should understand the benefits as well as the risks which are
mostly related to sunburn, not the mere act of exposure itself. There is an ever
increasing amount of validated scientific research that shows that UV exposure
has a positive influence on human health. Some of the health benefits include
protection against breast, prostate & colorectal cancer, flu’s & colds, depression,
auto immune diseases and more.

In order to get these health benefits you need to maintain sufficient levels of
vitamin D3 year round. A 2004 study in Christchurch showed that in February
88% of participants had levels of vitamin D3 below that deemed sufficient, this
percentage rose to 100% having insufficient levels by June.

Scientific research has a long way to go before we have the full answers. What
we do know is that over exposure and under exposure to UV both have health
risks. INTANZ calls on New Zealanders to stop being afraid of the sun and
sunbeds - start respecting them; never sunburn, regular moderate responsible
exposure appropriate for your skin type is natural and healthy.

‘Sunlight – do it right.’

For more information contact:

Kirsty Ethynes, Chairperson, 021 980323
Matt Adams, Media Liaison, 021 02960021