Tanning bed restrictions for youth in effect in Alberta
EDMONTON — New legislation restricting youth from using tanning beds is now in effect across Alberta.
The Skin Cancer Prevention Act came into effect on January 1 and prohibits businesses in Alberta from advertising ultraviolet artificial tanning services to those under the age of 18.
“Protecting teens from the harmful effects of artificial tanning is a small change that can save lives,” said Health Minister Sarah Hoffman in a statement. “Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Alberta. This step will help start conversations about the unnecessary risks of UV tanning.”
Skin cancer accounts for more than one-third of all new cancer cases in Alberta, with UV radiation exposure accounting for almost 82 per cent of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.