In a startling revelation, it has come to light that Queensland Department of Health investigators are grappling with a new challenge in their fight against illegal tanning beds. Collariums, often marketed as “safe” alternatives to traditional sunbeds, are slipping through the cracks due to a lack of necessary UV detection equipment and their prevalence on private social media accounts.
The Rise of Collariums: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Collariums, also known as “pink light” sunbeds, have emerged as a rebranded version of the banned solariums. These devices primarily emit UVA radiation and red-light wavelengths, with sessions lasting up to 40 minutes. Disturbingly, they are often falsely advertised as a safe way to improve skin health and achieve a tan.
“A collarium is essentially a rebranded sunbed that emits both UV radiation and red-light wavelengths,” explains Sharyn Chin Fat, Cancer Council Queensland’s prevention and early detection senior manager.
Despite the claims of stimulating collagen production, the reality is far more sinister. UVA radiation actually breaks down collagen, accelerating skin aging. While less likely to cause immediate sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, contributing to long-term damage and increasing cancer risk.
Queensland Health’s Uphill Battle
Queensland Health has received a staggering 89 reports of illegal solariums, collariums, and pink light systems since 2022. However, not a single prosecution has been made to date. The department cites a lack of quantitative UV radiation detection equipment as a major hindrance in their investigations.
Compounding the issue is the prevalent use of private or closed-access social media accounts to advertise these dangerous services. Health inspectors often find themselves unable to obtain search warrants, as access to these accounts is invitation-only.
The Illusion of Safety
Proponents of collariums often tout them as “low UV” and “safer” alternatives to traditional sunbeds. However, experts vehemently disagree with these claims.
“When solariums were legal, there were certain limits around how much UV radiation was allowed to be emitted from them,” states Prof Anne Cust, a cancer epidemiologist and deputy director of the Daffodil Centre. “And when these devices were tested, they were well above those limits. You can’t trust claims about how much UV radiation is being emitted from them. Any UV radiation can be harmful.”
The Call for Action
As the battle against illegal tanning beds rages on, health advocates are calling for stronger measures to protect Queenslanders.
“There is no such thing as a safe sunbed or a safe tan,” asserts Chin Fat. “We don’t support the sale or use of any radiation-based tanning device.”
The Cancer Council Queensland continues to advocate for the complete removal of these devices from the market, emphasizing the significant skin cancer risks they pose. The organization strongly advises against using collariums or any similar tanning devices.
The Way Forward
As Queensland health authorities work to acquire the necessary UV detection equipment, the fight against illegal tanning beds remains an uphill battle. The allure of a quick tan and the false promises of safety continue to lure unsuspecting individuals into the dangerous embrace of collariums.
It is crucial for the public to understand the true risks associated with UV radiation exposure, regardless of the device’s marketing claims. Education and awareness campaigns, coupled with stringent enforcement of existing regulations, are essential in protecting Queenslanders from the insidious threat of collariums.
The path ahead may be challenging, but with the tireless efforts of health advocates and the support of an informed public, Queensland can hope to one day eradicate the menace of illegal tanning beds once and for all. Until then, the pink lights of collariums will continue to cast an ominous glow, a reminder of the hidden dangers that lurk beneath their enticing facade.
