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Government of Canada announces stronger labelling requirements for tanning beds – Warning labels remind users about skin cancer risk

Article Source: Government of Canada

February 26, 2014 For immediate release

Ottawa – Today, the federal government finalized new regulations mandating stronger health warning label requirements for tanning beds and equipment.

Health Canada has strengthened the labelling requirements for tanning beds to better inform consumers about the health risks associated with the use of these devices.

Once the regulations come into force on May 7, 2014, all tanning equipment sold, leased or imported into Canada must display a warning label with the following message: “Not recommended for use by those under 18 years of age.” The label also features a black bar warning stating: “Tanning equipment can cause cancer” and a bulleted list of other health risks associated with tanning including risk factors such as skin type, photosensitivity and history of skin cancer.

While Health Canada regulates the sale, lease and import of tanning beds under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act, regulation of tanning bed use in commercial establishments, including age restrictions, is being undertaken by provinces and territories. Most provinces/territories in the country currently either regulate, or have expressed an intention to regulate, access to tanning equipment by minors.

Quick Facts

  • According to the World Health Organization, the risk of developing skin melanoma increases by 75% when use of tanning beds starts before the age of 35.
  • Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada, and melanoma is its deadliest form.
  • While mortality rates have remained stable, killing one in five diagnosed, incidence of melanoma has increased threefold between 1972 and 2006.
  • In 2013, approximately 6,000 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and 1050 died from it.
  • Exposure to ultraviolet A and B radiation from tanning can cause sunburn, damage to your eyes, and other health effects, including an increased risk of skin cancer.
  • In 2011, James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake in Manitoba, tabled a Private Members Bill in the House of Commons to raise awareness about the harms associated with artificial tanning.

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