Tanning Bed Legislation Comes Into Force
Ontario is protecting young people from skin cancer through a new law that bans commercial tanning bed operators from selling or providing tanning services to youth under the age of 18. As of May 1, commercial tanning bed operators are no longer allowed to sell, promote or provide tanning services to youth under 18 in Ontario. The new legislation protects young people, who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from skin cancer.
The new law is similar to tobacco regulations in that operators will need to request identification from anyone who appears to be under the age of 25. Signs need to be posted about the ban for minors and the health risks associated with using tanning beds. There are also penalties for tanning bed operators who don’t comply.
To comply with this legislation, tanning bed operators are required to notify the TBDHU that they are in operation. The TBDHU will investigate tanning bed operators if any complaints are received from the public.
To help operators understand the new law, the TBDHU will be hosting a free information session for this group on June 12 at 8:30 a.m. at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit Auditorium, 999 Balmoral Street. Anyone interested in attending the session or who would like more information about tanning bed legislation can call the Health Unit at (807) 625-8318.
