New guidelines for tanning salon owners, operators and users will ensure the public is more aware of health risks related to tanning bed use and will better protect young Islanders from the dangerous effects of ultraviolet exposure, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Our province has one of the highest rates of Melanoma in the country,” said Minister Currie. “It’s time to take action and to provide more information to Islanders about the potential health risks associated with tanning beds, in an effort to reduce the risks of skin damage and cancer.”
The purpose of the new guidelines is to provide guidance and direction to owners and staff of tanning facilities. This includes informing and assisting the public in the safe use of tanning devices, assessing skin type and skin conditions of clients prior to each tanning session, and advising clients on signs and symptoms of adverse reactions.
The guidelines are also aimed at enabling informed consent procedure. This would ensure clients are educated and understand the risks associated with tanning, as well as the procedure, requirements and precautions to be taken during the tanning session. The guidelines will also restrict indoor tanning use for those under 18 years of age. In addition, facilities will be required to display mandatory health warnings about the risks of ultraviolet radiation.
In 2009, the World Health Organization released statements indicating:
• Tanning services are a Class 1 cause of cancer in humans; and
• Using tanning devices before 30 years of age increase the risk of cancer by 45 per cent.
“We know ultraviolet radiation exposure can lead to skin aging and skin cancer,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, Chief Public Health Officer for Prince Edward Island. “We need to work together to ensure the public is more informed on the risks associated with tanning beds and we need to protect those who are at highest risk of cancer. ”
Also, in an effort to inform young Islanders around the dangers of tanning, the province will launch an educational campaign in the coming weeks.
All tanning facility owners and operators and staff are expected to be aware of and adhere to the guidelines. The guidelines will be sent out over the next few days to all businesses. A copy of the guidelines is also available at www.gov.pe.ca/health.
All facilities are expected to follow the guidelines. Over the coming year, the Chief Public Health Office will perform an audit to assess voluntary compliance of the guidelines by all tanning salon owners/operators.