TORONTO – Health concerns have prompted Ontario NDP MPP France Gelinas to introduce a private member’s bill Thursday that would essentially put a ban on indoor tanning for anyone under 18.
With the support of the Canadian Cancer Society, the bill will also call for increased regulation of the tanning industry that would require indoor salons to follow strict marketing and promotion practices aimed at young clients.
Although tanning under the lights has grown more popular over the years, there are inherent health risks associated with this activity.
Health Canada warns a tan from the sun’s rays or from a tanning bed in a salon will damage your skin.
Get daily National news
Health Canada has released a list of facts about tanning under the lights.
Do you know what a tan is?
It’s when melanin (a substance inside your skin) turns dark. This happens when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Two kinds of UV rays can cause tanning: UVA and UVB. When your skin turns darker, it is telling you that damage has been done.
Are tanning salons lights safe?
Their lights may give off five times as much UVA as the sun. UVexposure is linked to skin cancer and is responsible for sunburn, eye damage and premature skin aging. UV rays from tanning lamps have the same effects as UV from the sun.
Safety Tips
-Try to find other ways to look tanned. You can apply a cream that will colour your skin and give you the appearance of a tan.
-Getting a tan under the lights BEFORE you go south in the winter will NOT protect your skin in the tropics. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when you travel south.
-If you still want to use tanning lights, always protect your eyes by wearing goggles (eye protectors) that must be available from the salon.
-Convince teenagers not to use tanning salons.
Source: Health Canada
Comments