New Ontario Law Bans Youth under 18 from Using Tanning Beds

The Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds) comes into effect May 1st, 2014, banning youth under 18 from using tanning beds. As youth are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation, this law aims to reduce the likelihood of youth being exposed to artificial UV radiation at a young age.

No tan is a safe tan. The World Health Organization has classified UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds in its highest cancer risk category along with asbestos and tobacco. Tanning bed use increases the risk of the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. This risk of skin cancer is 75% higher if tanning bed use begins before the age of 35.

As of May 1st, 2014, all tanning bed operators may be subject to a Public Health inspection in locations where tanning treatments are offered including but not limited to tanning salons, salons, and fitness facilities. Tanning bed operators will be required to:

• Post signs warning about the health risk of skin cancer from UV exposure and the new age restriction
• Notify their local Public Health Unit of their business name, address, and telephone number of the establishment where tanning services or UV light treatments will be sold
• Request identification from anyone who appears under 25 years old
• Prohibit sales, advertising, and marketing of tanning services to youth under 18
• Ensure the use of protective eyewear and provide instruction on proper use to all users of tanning services

Local Public Health Units will be responsible for conducting complaint-based inspections using a progressive enforcement approach.

For additional information, visit www.ontario.ca/uvrsmart or call Region of Waterloo Public Health, 519-575-4400, ext. 5147.

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Media contact: Candace Harrington, Marketing and Communications, 519-883-2244 (bus) 519-501-7598 (cell) CaHarrington@regionofwaterloo.ca