In Australia, commercial solariums were banned a decade ago due to their links to skin cancer and premature ageing.

However, health experts are now raising concerns over a new device known as collariums, which are being marketed as a healthy alternative to traditional sunbeds.

Collariums, which emit both ultraviolet (UV) and red light, are claimed by some operators to provide a longer-lasting tan while promoting collagen production.

Despite these claims, experts warn that they pose similar risks to banned solariums due to their emission of UV radiation.

Professor Anne Cust, a cancer epidemiologist, has voiced her concern, stating that collariums essentially rebrand the previous solarium technology.

Cust highlights that the key issue with collariums is their emission of UVA radiation, a type that penetrates the skin deeply and is associated with increased risks of skin cancer.

Research has shown that UVA sets off damage by forming unstable compounds that harm cell membranes, protein structures, and DNA.

Prior to the solarium ban, it was estimated that solarium use in Australia contributed to hundreds of melanoma cases and thousands of squamous cell carcinoma cases annually.

The marketing of collariums as safe is disputed by experts, who stress that devices emitting UV radiation for tanning purposes are not healthy.

The rise of tanning trends, particularly among young people influenced by social media, is also a concern.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that 9.4% of people aged 15 and over attempted to suntan in the past year, emphasizing the enduring popularity of tanning despite known health risks.

Reports have emerged of collarium operators in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, with sessions costing around $25. Queensland Health has received numerous reports about these devices and is acquiring UV detection equipment to aid investigations.

New South Wales' Environmental Protection Authority has also recorded reports of their usage.

To prevent UV-related health issues, the Cancer Council recommends five sun protection measures: wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with at least SPF30, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, staying in the shade, and wearing sunglasses.

Sun safety is especially crucial in the Australian summer, where UV radiation levels are higher than in many parts of the world.

These developments underscore the need for clear awareness about the dangers of tanning devices and the importance of effective sun protection strategies.