Oakville Bans Tanning Beds for Kids and Teens

Posted by on August 14, 2012

Tanning Bed oakvilleA new bylaw by unanimous vote of the Oakville Town Council will ban the use of tanning beds for anyone under the age of 18 years old in Oakville.   A pending bill by NDP MPP France Gelinas would “ban those under the age of 18 from using indoor ultra violet light treatments or tanning services, except when prescribed by a medical professional” in Ontario.

Oakville businesses that don’t follow the new bylaw could be fined or lose their business licence.   Nova Scotia and British Columbia already have bans in place to prohibit the use of tanning beds for minors.

Oakville is the first municipality in Ontario to pass the bylaw through swift action once enough documentation showed increased cancer risk from repeatedly using these devices.

A complete ban on tanning beds is not being sought after, but since kids are most at risk of developing skin cancer and other medical problems through repeated exposure to intense ultraviolet rays, it is best to limit exposure of radiation to this group through legislation.  Melanoma is linked to the use of tanning beds and many who have used this apparatus in their youth regret it now.

In addition to kids, those who are photosensitive should also avoid the tanning beds.

Businesses who do not comply with the age restriction may be fined and potentially even lose their licence.

Maybe it is time for a spray tan!

 

 

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