HALIFAX - Artificial tans will no longer be in style for people under the age of 19 in Nova Scotia, under legislation proposed by the province's health minister Monday.
Maureen MacDonald said that after extensive lobbying from the health community, the province is putting a tanning bed age ban in place to save young people under 19 from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
"Young people develop life-long habits early in their life. They're very susceptible," MacDonald said during a news conference.
"I think the research indicates that the earlier you begin to be exposed to UV rays in these types of situations, the greater your risk is of developing or having skin cancer."
The minister pointed to recent research from the World Health Organization that classified ultraviolet light-emitting tanning beds as carcinogenic to humans. She said that same research also noted that the risk of skin cancer increases 75 per cent in people who begin using tanning beds before the age of 35.
MacDonald said the legislation is a crucial step in trying to change habits in a province that has the highest rate of skin cancer in the country, according to 2010 Canadian cancer statistics.
She said choosing the age of 19 would bring regulations for tanning beds in line with those governing alcohol and the sale of cigarettes to young people in Nova Scotia. She said it would also help with enforcement.
"We have a regulatory framework for tobacco, for example, with inspections ... so we can apply the same resources to this legislation," MacDonald said.
The legislation would also require tanning bed operators to display signs with information warning of the health impact of tanning bed use. Businesses that contravene the age restriction could face a $2,000 fine for the first offence, $5,000 for a second and $10,000 for a third.
Businesses that habitually offend could also face closures ranging from seven days for a first offence to two years for a third.
Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer, said that, if approved, the province would be the only one in Canada to have such legislation.
New Brunswick used to ban minors from tanning salons but quietly repealed its legislation last year as it made changes to its provincial health laws.
Enacted in 1992, New Brunswick's law banned tanning bed use by those aged 18 and younger.
An 18-year-old age limit is being considered under a proposed bylaw in Victoria.
Peter Green, a dermatolgist and chairman of Sun Safe Nova Scotia, applauded the province's move as being on the "leading edge nationally" in recognizing the link between skin cancer and tanning bed use.
"They have actually taken it further than the recommendation of the World Health Organization, which suggested a ban under the age of 18," said Green.
The move wasn't as welcomed by the Kelowna, B.C.-based Joint Canadian Tanning Association, which represents about 1,600 businesses across Canada.
Spokesman Steven Gilroy said an age ban isn't necessary.
"We believe, through control of the equipment, you don't need a ban," said Gilroy. "That's why we called last year to work with governments on regulations in regards to parental consent."
Gilroy said the focus should be on a comprehensive set of regulations that would protect all ages.
Health officials in Nova Scotia said they would consult with the industry before putting in place regulations that could take up to a year to implement.
