Amendments to the Public Health Act and the existing provincial Tanning Regulation aimed at prohibiting the use of ultraviolet tanning equipment by children and increasing user safety come into effect January 1, 2016. This announcement was made by Healthy Living Minister Deanne Crothers announced today.
“After looking at evidence that our current consent-based tanning legislation is not as effective as a complete ban to protect children’s health, our government decided to take action,” said Minister Crothers. “Amendments to the Public Health Act and the Tanning Regulation will soon be in effect and send a clear message that we are prepared to take a strong stance on any issues that affect children’s health and safety.”
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are known to cause skin cancer, skin damage and premature skin aging. Tanning equipment such as tanning beds, booths and lamps emit UV rays.
The minister said that following the amendment of the Public Health Act and the Tanning Regulation, operators of commercial tanning operations will be required to:
- prohibit children and youth under the age of 18 from using ultraviolet tanning equipment,
- prohibit the advertising or marketing of the use of UV tanning equipment to children and youth,
- prohibit the use of tanning equipment that is not controlled by an operator or employee who has been instructed in the proper use of the equipment,
- ensure that protective eyewear that meets specified standards is used by their customers, and
- update the warning signs on their premises with new signs reflecting the ban on the use of the tanning equipment by children and youth.
“The Canadian Cancer Society has been highlighting the dangers of indoor tanning for many years and is pleased to see this important step has been taken to better protect Manitoba children from this known cancer risk,” said Erin Crawford, senior director, public issues and community engagement, Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division. “Hopefully this measure will spare young Manitobans in the future from receiving a skin cancer diagnosis.”
