The province announced a ban on the use of commercial tanning beds by those under the age of 18, Wednesday, citing the increased risk of cancer they can pose.
“Cancer affects thousands of British Columbian families with one in three people expected to develop some form of cancer – such as skin cancer like melanoma – in their lifetime,” said Health Minister Michael de Jong.
The ban is expected to take effect by autumn.
However, Sally Smith, owner of Sun Seekers Tanning Salon in Maple Ridge and the B.C. director of the Joint Canadian Tanning Association, says the ban goes too far.
“It should be up to parents to make that choice, just as its up to them to take their kids on vacation to somewhere sunny and hot,” says Smith. “UV light is same whether it’s from a tanning bed or the sun.”
Studies have shown indoor tanning before the age of 35 raises the risk of melanoma by 75 per cent. In 2012, the B.C. Cancer Agency estimates 966 British Columbians will be diagnosed with melanoma and 150 will die of it.
However, that study also includes home units, Smith noted, which are more dangerous than professionally administered indoor tans.
What is needed is a higher level of regulation according to Smith, as indoor tanning, when administered by a certified professional, carries little risk of cancer.
“Your skin type determines your exposure time,” she said.
“A certified tanning professional will determine your skin type. People with a very fair skin, or Skin Type 1, aren’t even allowed to indoor tan.”
Indoor tanning also has health benefits, according to Smart Tan Canada, the national certification organization for indoor tanning, and the provincial government is offering a medical exemption for minors undergoing UV light therapy, which can be used to treat mood and sleep disorders.
Smith said professional tanning salons also offer a variety of sunless tanning options.
However, the Canadian Cancer Society insists there is no safe way to get a tan. The national organization is currently spearheading a campaign called Tanning is Out, to raise awareness about the dangers of UV light, and encourage teens to go tan-free for grad.
“Getting a tan might be a popular option among many young people, but research has shown that it can result in potentially deadly skin cancers later in life,” said Dr. Andy Coldman, BC Cancer Agency vice-president. “Restricting access to tanning beds for youth will help reduce the risk of these cancers later in life, and so I applaud today’s decision by the provincial government.”