New rules requiring indoor tanning salons to post warning signs about the risks of skin cancer and requiring parental consent for young Manitobans come into effect June 15. This announcement was made by Health Minister Theresa Oswald.
“These new regulations will ensure prospective clients understand the risks of indoor tanning to make informed decisions before using these services,” said Oswald. “Under these new rules, parental consent will now be required for Manitobans under the age of 18, which will help to reduce the risk of skin cancer associated with indoor tanning as part of our plan to encourage Manitobans to live healthier lifestyles.”
The Public Health Act and the Tanning Regulation will require:
• operators to post warning signs that advise prospective clients of the risks of indoor tanning;
• parental consent for any Manitoban under the age of 18 years to use ultraviolet (UV) tanning equipment; and
• the parent or guardian also must be present in the facility while the equipment is being used, if the minor is under the age of 16.
“Agencies such as the World Health Organization have made it clear that tanning equipment should be used with care and our public health officials have developed these rules with input from an expert working group including CancerCare Manitoba, the Canadian Cancer Society, medical professionals and industry representatives,” Oswald said.
Operators of commercial tanning facilities are being provided with information regarding the new regulations along with copies of the warning signs and consent forms. Parents of under-age clients are to be provided with a fact sheet and parental consent forms. Versions of these documents for printing by operators will be posted on the Manitoba Health website so they can also be printed by operators.
The World Health Organization has classified the UV rays from tanning beds, booths and lamps as a known cause of skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays are invisible and come from a variety of natural and artificial sources including the tanning equipment and the sun. Sunburns, premature skin aging, skin cancer and eye problems have been associated with exposure to UV radiation.
Manitobans are encouraged to take the appropriate precautions from all sources of UV rays, including the sun, to prevent skin damage and skin cancer.
