Ontario's Skin Cancer Prevention Act, which bans anyone under 18 years old from using tanning beds, takes effect Thursday.
The legislation was passed last October with the goal of protecting young people, who are particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation, from skin cancer.
Linda Stobo of the Middlesex-London Health Unit said in a statement, “There is no such thing as a ‘safe tan,’ regardless of how old you are. A tan is a sign of skin damage and it puts you at an increased risk of developing skin cancer."
Melanoma is on the rise among youth and young adults in Ontario and the World Health Organization reports that skin cancer increases by 75 per cent when tanning beds are used under the age of 35.
The WHO also classifies tanning beds in its highest risk category with asbestos and tobacco.
Tanning salons are now required to post signs about the restriction, warn of the dangers of tanning bed use and not advertise to youth. They must also ask for identification/proof of age for anyone who appears to be under the age of 25.
Local health units are responsible for ensuring the new rules are enforced and can impose fines if they are not followed.
