Canadian Tanning Salons Urged by Association to limit claims

KELOWNA, BC, Feb. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - The Joint Canadian Tanning Association today urged Canadian sunbed operators and employees to limit claims being made about the benefits of indoor sunbathing.

"Many tanning salon owners and employees are passionate about stating their opinions when it comes to the potential benefits of UV light. However, they should not overstate these benefits when promoting sunbed use," said Doug McNabb, JCTA President. He noted that commentary on the benefits of vitamin D is best left up to qualified professionals. "The association supports communicating that sunbathing equipment which emits UVB light will produce vitamin D but we feel strongly against salon owner and operators making claims beyond that."

Steve Gilroy, the Executive Director of the JCTA echoed McNabb's position and added "The "World Health Organization considers the risk from tanning equipment to be the same as sunlight and thus the same precautions should be taken. Avoid sun burning and overexposure."

Gilroy emphasizes that those seeking a tan should visit a sunbed facility with trained and certified staff and that belongs to an industry association. A skin type analysis should always be performed and Skin Type 1's, those with red hair and blue eyes (always sunburn, never tan), should not tan indoors or outdoors. World Health Organization data confirms that the majority of risk from UV Exposure is for those with a Skin Type of 1.

Media contact:
Steven Gilroy
Joint Canadian Tanning Association
250.863.8765
[email protected]