SUNBEDS will be banned in South Australia from 2015.

South Australian Health Minister John Hill said the Government had become increasingly concerned about the health impacts of solariums.

The ban follows similar regulations being introduced in New South Wales from the end of 2014. 

The NSW Government introduced the ban in February - five years after the death of Clare Oliver, a 26.year-old melanoma victim who spent her final days campaigning against the sunbeds she believed had contributed to her cancer. Australia has the highest melanoma rate in the world, with 400 people dying each year.

The International Agency for Research in Cancer has classed tanning beds as a grade 1 carcinogen - the same ranking as smoking. "There is strong evidence that using sunbeds increases the risk of health impacts on users including the occurrence of melanomas," Mr Hill said. He said research published in the British Medical Journal this year found people who used sunbeds had a 20 per cent increased risk of melanoma. The risk of melanoma was doubled when use started before the age of 35 years.

Laws already prevent South Australians under 18 and those with fair skin from using subeds. South Australian Environment Minister Paul Caica said the risk to all users is just too high. "In light of this, the Government has made the decision to implement a ban on the commercial use of cosmetic tanning units from 31 December 2014," Mr Caica said. "We will now work with the existing registered businesses towards adapting to this measure."

Cancer Council chief executive Professor Brenda Wilson welcomed the announcement. "The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classed UV emitting tanning beds as a Grade 1 carcinogen the highest risk category," Prof Wilson said, "Ultimately, the lives of many young image-conscious SA will be saved because of the Ministers' announcement today. "We applaud the government for taking such a strong stance."

News.com.au

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