OTTAWA, Oct. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Third time's the charm for the Ontario tanning legislation and the Canadian Dermatology Association couldn't be happier with the news.
The Skin Cancer Prevention Act, which passed its final hurdle and will become law, bans the use of tanning equipment, such as tanning beds by youth under the age of 18. The new legislation will also prohibit the advertising or marketing of such services to youth.
"This is great news and an important step to protecting the health and well-being of our kids" says Dr Richard Langley, CDA President. "We applaud Health Minister Deb Matthews and the Ontario government for recognizing the importance of this legislation and making it a priority."
The Canadian Dermatology Association is actively pushing all governments to adopt similar bans. A component of the campaign has been an award winning public service video [Indoor Tanning Isn't Pretty] that has been viewed on YouTube over 48,000 times.
There is no such thing as a "healthy tan" warns Langley. "Not only can the radiation from indoor tanning beds give you a tan, it also causes premature aging and it increases a person's risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer."
The Skin Cancer Prevention Act will come into effect once it receives Royal Assent from the Lieutenant Governor later this year.
It is the CDA's hope that Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba will soon pass similar legislation and that New Brunswick will revisit the idea of legislation in place of their current voluntary guidelines. It is imperative action taken now that will protect young people from the dangers of tanning beds and the increased risk of developing skin cancer in the future.
About CDA
The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association strives to provide easy access to the largest, most reliable source of medical knowledge on dermatology. CDA exists to advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the care of the skin, hair and nails; provide continuing professional development for its members; support and advance patient care; provide public education on sun protection and other aspects of skin health; and promote a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. By doing so, CDA informs and empowers both medical professionals and the Canadian public.
To learn more about what the work CDA does visit www.dermatology.ca or join the conversation on Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.
[Government of Quebec Release]
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**UPDATE / MISE À JOUR**
The Province of New Brunswick passed the Artificial Tanning Act in June of this year replacing the previous voluntary guidelines. A copy of the act can be found here: http://laws.gnb.ca/en/ShowPdf/cs/2013-c.21.pdf
Provisions include:
- Banning access to tanning beds to persons under 19
- Prohibiting advertising that promotes artificial tanning if
- Is directed at persons under the age of 19
- It makes false or misleading claims about health effects from tanning including advertising that includes the following statements:
- That artificial tanning is beneficial to a person's health
- That artificial tanning is a means of obtaining vitamin D
- That artificial tanning is a means of obtaining a base tan
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SOURCE: Canadian Dermatology Association
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Jennifer Scott, Director, Communications
613.738.1748 / 1.800.267.3376 Ext. 222
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