Could this $25 Kmart item put your health at risk?
- Replies 8
It's that time of year again when the blue skies and warm weather beckon Australians outdoors for a splash and a bask under the sun.
However, a sun-soaked pool day has recently made waves for an unexpected reason: a debate centred around a social media personality and an inflatable pool lounger from retail giant Kmart.
The product—the 2-in-1 Inflatable Pool Lounger ($25)—part of Kmart's Anko range, is designed for ages ten and up and has been hailed by some as the 'best' summer buy.
However, the lounger has come under fire after a social media personality, @madssmorris, shared a video suggesting she bought it to keep cool while sunbathing.
In the video, she enthusiastically encourages viewers who enjoy tanning to 'run’ to Kmart to grab the product, which she describes as 'perfect'.
‘If you are someone who likes to tan in the sun, you need to run to Kmart because I have the best thing to show you,’ she said.
She highlights its features, including a pillow and the ability to fill it with water for those without access to a pool.
‘I just know this is going to sell out, so girl, you better run.’
While the product is not explicitly marketed for tanning, the video has sparked a backlash from social media users concerned about the potential sun safety implications.
One user responded, 'My melanoma I had cut out at age 31 says no,' while another commented, 'Melanoma is out in 2024 (has been for a long time).'
‘It never ceases to blow my mind that other people my age aren’t scarred by ‘tanning is skin cells in trauma; Get a fake tan and slip slop slap,’ another said, referring to an advertising campaign in the early 2000s.
‘Do they sell blow-up coffins as well for when that melanoma kicks in?’ one asked.
Another said: ‘There is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning kills.’
‘As an Australian, why are you promoting tanning in the sun,’ another questioned.
Another said they watched this video while booking their skin check, which is recommended for anyone who notices changes to their skin and for high-risk people every six months.
You can watch her video below:
Credit: @madssmorrisvideo / TikTok
The controversy surrounding the pool lounger highlights the importance of sun safety, particularly in Australia, which has one of the highest rates of skin cancer diagnoses globally. Each year, 2000 people in Australia die from the disease.
Skin cancer is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, like tanning beds. In Australia, where UV levels are often high, it's crucial to protect your skin year-round.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.
The Cancer Council recommends using at least SPF30+ sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seeking shade when in the sun. Regular skin checks are also advised, especially for those at high risk or noticing changes to their skin.
But a word of caution: Take more time to think about your sunscreen, as one American traveller learned the hard way.
In a previous story, a traveller shared her scepticism towards non-Australian sun protection products and reminded people why. Read more about it here.
Have you encountered similar issues with other products? Share them with us in the comments below.
However, a sun-soaked pool day has recently made waves for an unexpected reason: a debate centred around a social media personality and an inflatable pool lounger from retail giant Kmart.
The product—the 2-in-1 Inflatable Pool Lounger ($25)—part of Kmart's Anko range, is designed for ages ten and up and has been hailed by some as the 'best' summer buy.
However, the lounger has come under fire after a social media personality, @madssmorris, shared a video suggesting she bought it to keep cool while sunbathing.
One social media personality shared the inflatable lounger she got at Kmart. Credit: @madssmorris / TikTok
In the video, she enthusiastically encourages viewers who enjoy tanning to 'run’ to Kmart to grab the product, which she describes as 'perfect'.
‘If you are someone who likes to tan in the sun, you need to run to Kmart because I have the best thing to show you,’ she said.
She highlights its features, including a pillow and the ability to fill it with water for those without access to a pool.
‘I just know this is going to sell out, so girl, you better run.’
While the product is not explicitly marketed for tanning, the video has sparked a backlash from social media users concerned about the potential sun safety implications.
One user responded, 'My melanoma I had cut out at age 31 says no,' while another commented, 'Melanoma is out in 2024 (has been for a long time).'
‘It never ceases to blow my mind that other people my age aren’t scarred by ‘tanning is skin cells in trauma; Get a fake tan and slip slop slap,’ another said, referring to an advertising campaign in the early 2000s.
‘Do they sell blow-up coffins as well for when that melanoma kicks in?’ one asked.
Another said: ‘There is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning kills.’
‘As an Australian, why are you promoting tanning in the sun,’ another questioned.
Another said they watched this video while booking their skin check, which is recommended for anyone who notices changes to their skin and for high-risk people every six months.
You can watch her video below:
Credit: @madssmorrisvideo / TikTok
The controversy surrounding the pool lounger highlights the importance of sun safety, particularly in Australia, which has one of the highest rates of skin cancer diagnoses globally. Each year, 2000 people in Australia die from the disease.
Skin cancer is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, like tanning beds. In Australia, where UV levels are often high, it's crucial to protect your skin year-round.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.
The Cancer Council recommends using at least SPF30+ sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seeking shade when in the sun. Regular skin checks are also advised, especially for those at high risk or noticing changes to their skin.
But a word of caution: Take more time to think about your sunscreen, as one American traveller learned the hard way.
In a previous story, a traveller shared her scepticism towards non-Australian sun protection products and reminded people why. Read more about it here.
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