First illegal tanning beds seized and destroyed

A number of illegal solariums have been destroyed after being seized from operators allegedly trying to defy Victoria's commercial ban.

The tanning beds were dismantled by professionals at a recycling company in Melbourne's north today, three years after the machines were officially outlawed for commercial use by the state government.

"It's incredibly satisfying to see these awful cancer causing machines being destroyed," Health Minister Jill Hennessy said.

Urging people to avoid solariums is a very personal mission for 37-year-old Melissa Sheldon.

Ms Sheldon believes tanning beds contributed to the melanoma she has been battling for eight and a half years.

She described, "at one point I was in palliative care. I lost all motion this side of my body and speech. I've had to learn to walk and talk again."

Ms Sheldon said it was the message of staunch anti-solarium advocate Clare Oliver, who lost her fight against melanoma more than 10 years ago, that stopped her tanning in its tracks.

"She really did change, I think, many people's lives."

Government officials continue to actively investigate reports of illegal solariums, with two successful prosecution cases already complete.

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