Lights out for youth tanning

B.C. bans minors from using commercial bronzing beds, unless prescribed by a doctor

Spray tans, tanning lotions and bronzers will soon be the go-to options for teens seeking that California glow after the B.C. government announced plans Tuesday to bar children under the age of 18 from using tanning beds.

Health Minister Mike de Jong said minors will be restricted from using commercial tanning beds unless they're provided a prescription by a medical doctor .  "The medical reasons are uncommon in childhood, but not rare," said Dr. David McLean, head of the BC Cancer Agency's prevention programs.

McLean said seasonal affective disorder, a depression response to the dark winter months, would not qualify for such a prescription as ultraviolet light is not required for treatment. "Brightness is the key. Increase the wattage. Home light units have a fluorescent light in them that produces a high intensity of white light."

Kathryn Seely, director of public issues for the Canadian Cancer Society applauded the move.  "Just about every physician in this province would say 'well done,' " she said. "Our most recent research shows that up to a quarter of youths still use indoor tanning beds."  She added use of tanning beds have been shown to increase the risk of melanoma - the third-most-commonly diagnosed cancer in youths between the ages of 15 and 29 - by 75 per cent.

Although Brazil and the state of New South Wales in Australia have banned tanning beds for esthetic use altogether, Seely said there are no plans at this time to lobby for a complete ban.

The changes affecting minors are expected to come into force this fall, after the Public Health Act is updated.
De Jong said fines will be levied if business break the new rules, though fine amounts are yet to be determined.

An array of medical and health groups, including the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Canadian Dermatological Association, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Cancer Society and the World Health Organization, has called for a ban on use of the beds by minors.

The BC Cancer Agency estimates that in this year, 966 British Columbians will be diagnosed with melanoma - the most deadly type of skin cancer - and 150 will die from it.

eduggan@vancouversun.com

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

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