Lawyers sue solariums The Australian Online |
January 15, 2008 LAWYERS are increasingly suing solariums after repeated scientific studies linking them to the risk of developing skin cancer and other skin conditions. Already several Gold Coast women are taking legal action against solariums, after developing adverse skin reactions from sun tanning beds.
New research revealed the use of tanning beds by people under the age of 35 raised the risk a developing melanoma skin cancer by 98 per cent.
Gold Coast lawyer Bruce Simmonds said he had several young female clients who were suing solariums after developing skin conditions, including rashes and scarring, after using sun tanning beds.
"There seem to be chemical reactions between the sun tanning beds and perfumes and cosmetics worn by the young women," he said.
Mr Simmonds also warned young men who had undergone body waxing, to avoid using solariums.
"There is a fear that the chemicals used in body waxing could cause adverse medical conditions if people then use a sun tanning bed.
"I am acting for a number of young women who developed skin conditions- rashes and scarring- after using solariums. There is a general acknowledgement it is a valid issue," he said.
Mr Simmonds' remarks followed a Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency study which found a person's chance of developing a melanoma skin cancer increased by 22 per cent if they had a solarium just once.
Mr Simmonds, in a media release issued today, said Queensland Institute of Medical Research statistics showed Australians were diagnosed with more than 9500 melanomas each year, ending in more than 1100 deaths.
QIMR estimated up to 62 of those cases each year were directly attributable to indoor tanning devices, Mr Simmonds said.
"It's not just skin cancers. A whole range of medical conditions are being caused by the use of these solariums. The long term effects of over-use have not been calculated either," Mr Simmonds said.
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