Nova Scotia introduces ground-breaking tanning ban
Posted Nov 23, 2010 05:59:19 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A pale future is ahead for Nova Scotia teenagers.
In a Canadian first the provincial government is moving to ban anyone under the age of 19 from using tanning beds.
Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says Nova Scotia doctors have been calling for a law to keep kids out of the tanning beds.
“Using tanning beds actually exposes the skin to UV radiation 10-to-15 times higher than that of the midday sun,” she said.
The age limit was set at 19 to fall in line with restrictions on tobacco and alcohol.
Operators found in violation of the ban could be fined up to $10,000.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Strang says signs in the businesses will debunk tanning myths for customers who do go.
“It will boost your immune system, it’s better to have a base-tan, all that kind of stuff, there’s no evidence to support any of that,” he said. “We need to look at the ways we can hold the industry more accountable and responsible for the advertising that they do have.”
The tanning industry isn’t happy with the proposed law. Executive director Steve Gilroy at the Joint Canadian Tanning Association tells News 95.7 a better solution would involve certification for operators.
“Take the controls away from the tanner themselves and put it in the hands of a professional, certified and trained operator,” he said. “Make sure that everyone is skin typed before they go in and tan. Make sure we have a comprehensive set of regulations, instead of just talking about teenagers.”
Gilroy says tanning beds don’t pose the risks that alcohol and tobacco do. He says the industry is hoping to work with the government to come up with solutions.
It will be about a year before the legislation takes effect.
