Background Information:
Reduced Exposure to Artificial UV Radiation
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada, accounting for 1/3 of all new cancer diagnoses. The rate of melanoma in PEI is 80% higher than the rest of the country. The Canadian Cancer Society strongly supports the World Health Organization recommendations that no person under the age of 18 should be allowed to use a tanning bed because of health risks.
On November 28, 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that “Sunbed use in youth is unequivocally associated with skin cancer.” Ultraviolet light emitted from both the sun and artificial tanning equipment is accepted as a human carcinogen, causing skin cancer. Children under the age of 18 exposed to UV radiation and the increased number of times a child is sun burned, are known to increase the risk of skin cancer later in life including the incidence of malignant melanoma. For this reason children should not be allowed to use sun beds. The effect of UV radiation is cumulative; some people have already received a significant portion of their lifetime exposure to UV radiation by age 18. There is no difference in the tan produced by the sun compared to that from tanning equipment. UVR exposure from either the sun or tanning equipment increases an individual’s risk of developing skin cancer. In some cases, tanning equipment emits UVR up to 5 times as strong as the midday summer sun.
Youth are also being influenced by advertising of artificial tanning. We urge the government to protect those under the age of 18 from artificial tanning equipment advertising by prohibiting promotion of their use in locations primarily frequented by teens (e.g. schools and teen sporting events). Advertising includes flyers being distributed in youth settings and advertisements placed in high school yearbooks promoting artificial tanning parlours. This advertising directly targets those under the age of 18 and should be prohibited.
The artificial tanning industry is expanding rapidly and poses a known health risk; regulations need to be enforced to protect the health of Islanders. Currently, artificial tanning equipment does not have to be registered therefore, no database exists that can accurately predict how many devices are actually in use. Tanning equipment is found in health clubs, condominium fitness centres and at hair salons, yet no one is monitoring this industry in PEI. Tanning bed operators should be required to register their equipment
While some tanning establishments may already comply with voluntary regulations, enforcement will ensure equitable protection for all Islanders. It is time to make the industry accountable. All industries should be held accountable and follow regulations specific to their product. Government legislation restricting artificial tanning for youth under the age of 18 will help to prevent skin cancer and can be expected to save the province millions of dollars in healthcare costs.
Tanning parlour staff need to be trained on how to operate and maintain their equipment, how to identify skin types, and enforce eyewear for anyone using artificial tanning equipment. Tanning salon staff have to be taught that people with skin type I, people who always burn and never tan when exposed to sunlight, will also not tan with artificial sources of UV either. Therefore, operators should not allow people with skin type I access to tanning equipment.
Other Jurisdictions have already addressed the issue of youth and artificial tanning. Currently New Brunswick restricts use to those aged 18 and over, requires staff to be trained on skin types and maintenance and requires radiation warning signs.
2006 National Sun Survey
(by the Canadian Cancer Society with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada)
The National Sun Survey was carried out across Canada in 2006 which included more than 7,000 adults (16 years and older). The purpose is to provide health groups and policymakers with information to assist in developing effective programs to help minimize people’s overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. This is the second such survey and for the first time specific questions were asked about artificial tanning practices.
Results:
- 22% of Atlantic Canadian young adults aged 16-24 years reported using artificial tanning equipment in the past year compared to the national average of 15%.
- 12% of Atlantic Canadians aged 16 years and up reported seeking a tan from artificial tanning equipment compared to the national average of 9%.
- Females are more than twice as likely to use artificial tanning equipment then males.
Canadian Cancer Society-PEI Division’s Recommendations for Action:
1. Enact legislation banning the use of artificial tanning equipment by children under 18 years of age.
- Prohibit marketing of artificial tanning targeting youth, such as advertising in school yearbooks.
- Develop and maintain a registry of artificial tanning equipment in use in PEI.
- Ensure all staff operating artificial tanning equipment receives training on operation procedures, maintenance and how to identify people at greater risk of developing skin cancer, particularly those people who are unable to tan.
- Require that signage is placed in clear view of each bed clearly stating the health risks of artificial tanning.