Alberta coalition pushes to ban artificial tanning for province’s teens
Posted Dec 14, 2011 8:11 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Shows like Jersey Shore may glorify artificial tanning but one coalition is pushing to have it banned for Albertan teens.
Indoor Tanning is Out says tanning beds are dangerous and anyone who has more than ten sessions in a lifetime doubles their risk of melanoma.
“I see more and more skin cancer patients in my practice,” says Calgary dermatologist Dr. Susan Poelman in a release. “Melanoma used to be regarded as a disease typical of the elderly. Unfortunately, it’s not limited to that age group anymore.”
The group wants strong legislation that would protect Albertans age 18 and under from the risks of artificial UV rays.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, skin cancer is by far the leading cancer in Alberta and melanoma is its deadliest form.
The executive director of the Joint Canadian Tanning Association worries about the impact a ban would have for teens.
Gilroy tells 660News the under-18 ban could push teens towards unregulated forms of tanning.
“We believe that parents have the right to make that decision,” says Gilroy.
Alberta’s health minister says the province is in the early stages of reviewing the issue.
Nova Scotia is the only jurisdiction to enact a province wide ban, while British Colombia, Quebec and Ontario are all considering similar moves.
The coalition consists of experts from the Canadian Dermatology Association, Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta Society of Dermatologists and the Alberta Public Health Association among others.
