A new Public Health Act will help protect Islanders through streamlined reporting, updated surveillance and new restrictions on tanning devices, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Public health is a key priority of the department, and that’s what this legislation is about,” said Minister Currie. “This legislation helps us to ensure that we are tracking, responding to, and reporting on communicable diseases and possible emergency situations, that our food premises are licensed and serving safe food, that our milk processing meets current standards, and that we are properly investigating health hazards.”
The Public Health Act plays a critical role in the health and safety of Islanders. Changes to the act are intended to accurately reflect and address modern public health issues and support the Chief Public Health Office in monitoring and maintaining public health in Prince Edward Island.
One addition to the act will prohibit minors from accessing tanning beds. According to the recently released Prince Edward Island Cancer Trends Report, melanoma skin cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the province, and the most common risk factor for melanoma is increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This new legislation will help protect Island youth from the adverse health effects of ultraviolet radiation.
“The World Health Organization has stated that using tanning devices before 30 years of age increases the risk of cancer by 45 per cent,” said Minister Currie. “Our province has one of the highest rates of Melanoma in the country. As Minister of Health, I am committed to fighting the battle against cancer in all its forms, including skin cancer.”
“The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased to see this important step being taken to protect the health of young Islanders. Hopefully the new legislation will also raise awareness among the general public of the serious harms that tanning beds and ultraviolet rays can cause,” said Lori Barker, Executive Director of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society.
After the new Public Health Act is proclaimed, government will introduce regulations for tanning salon owners and operators. These new regulations will ensure the public is more aware of health risks related to tanning bed use and will protect young Islanders from the dangerous effects of ultraviolet exposure.