Salons and fitness centres in B.C. that allow teens under the age of 18 to use tanning beds face fines of $345 per offence.
The ban officially went into effect yesterday. Under new regulations, businesses operating tanning beds must post signs notifying customers of the ban and are prohibited from letting anyone under the age of 18 to use them, unless they have a doctor's prescription for treating skin conditions, like psoriasis.
The ban was prompted by alarming rates of skin cancer among younger people, especially young women.
In April, the Mayo Clinic released a study that pointed to an alarming trend of skin cancer in young people – especially girls – and linked it to the increased use of tanning beds, which use ultra violet light. http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2812%2900209-1/abstract
The World Health Organization determines that the incidence of melanoma increases by 75% among people who begin using indoor tanning beds before the age of 35. The study found skin cancer rates for girls was eight times higher in 2009 than it was in 1970.
The ban is being applauded by the Canadian Cancer Society.
"The decision to introduce this regulation is an important step forward in cancer prevention and one that is supported by the vast majority of British Columbians," Barbara Kaminsky, CEO for the B.C.-Yukon branch society.
"By eliminating exposure to this known carcinogen at a young age, we can help prevent cancer."
