Sunbed use in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tanning salons in Santiago, Chile: the knowledge of the staff in charge and the quality of information provided to potential clients before and after a new regulatory law

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the use of artificial tanning devices has become very popular in Chile. In April, 2007, a new law was established to regulate the non-medical use of tanning beds and tanning booths. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level and quality of information provided by tanning salon staff to clients before deciding on using the services. This information was collected before and 6 months after the law was enacted by researchers visiting tanning salons posing as potential clients.

METHODS

Using a previously designed questionnaire, 24 tanning salons in Santiago, Chile, were evaluated by researchers acting as potential customers without experience with artificial tanning devices. Employees were questioned using a hidden questionnaire before and 6 months after enactment of the law.

RESULTS

Before the law, 25% of the establishments gave spontaneous information about the risks of using tanning beds, which increased to 45.8% after enactment of the law. Clients never received written information, either before or after enactment of the law. On both evaluations, more than 1/3 of the employees affirmed that there were no risks in using tanning beds. Before enactment of the law, only 12.5% of the tanning salons required the use of goggles, while after the law, this increased to 25% (P=NS). Only two establishments required that clients sign an informed consent form after enactment of the law.

DISCUSSION

The level of knowledge among employees in tanning salons was very low and the quality of the information they provided to the clients was very poor. It was important to legislate on ultraviolet tanning services, but at present, the impact of the law has been very limited.

Access to commercial indoor tanning facilities by adults with highly sensitive skin and by under-age youth: compliance tests at solarium centres in Melbourne, Australia

The study aimed to establish solarium operators' compliance with a newly revised voluntary code for the industry in 2002. The revisions incorporate guidelines to ensure customers are adequately informed of the risks associated with solarium use and that access by high-risk groups, such as customers with fair skin that does not tan (skin type 1) or those less than 18 years of age, is limited or barred. Compliance tests with the industry standard were conducted at 30 solarium centres in Melbourne, Australia. Compliance was tested by surveys and in-person visits from three research assistants, each presenting as potential customers but with different eligibility to attend a sunbed session: young adults eligible to attend a solarium, young adults with skin type 1 and under-age (16 year old) customers. This is the first study to assess solarium compliance using confederates with customer profiles that correspond to the required restrictions on sunbed access. Results showed poor compliance with specific aspects of the voluntary code. Fifty-two per cent of centres gave the underage teenagers access to sunbeds without written parental consent. Ninety per cent of centres provided sunbed access to clients with poor tanning ability and 75% of centres tried to reassure them about using the sunbeds. Seven per cent of centres did not provide any form of eye protection for customers and 7% provided sub-standard stickers for eye protection. The study suggests that there is much room for improvement in solarium centres' current practices and further regulation may well be warranted.

Tanning salons in southwest Poland: a survey of safety standards and professional knowledge of the staff

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, sunbeds are very popular worldwide; however--in the majority of countries, including Poland--there are no general guidelines and/or regulations for sunbed usage.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate tanning salons in southwest Poland, paying special attention to safety regulations and basic professional knowledge of the staff members of these units. The hypothesis was put that tanning salons offer better skin and eye protection if their employees are more educated.

METHODS

Fifty-five sunbed units were visited by the investigators, acting as potential clients. Information was obtained from the staff members in response to previously designed questionnaire.

RESULTS

Employees of 41.8% of sunbed units had adequate knowledge of radiation used in their establishments. Goggles were provided in 72.7%, sunglasses in additional 25.5% of salons. Lotions with sunscreens were available in 41.8% of units. Brief medical history of the client was taken in 20% of units. No dermatological examination was performed. Tanning salons, where employed staff were well-orientated in ultraviolet radiation emitted in their units, significantly more frequently recommended usage of goggles and sunscreens (P = 0.0037 and P = 0.0033, respectively). Moreover, in these establishments sunscreens were more commonly available (P = 0.0029).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge of staff members of tanning salons is poor and the eye and skin protection is not enough. The results point out the importance of the knowledge of the staff members in providing skin and eye protection.