Ten years after the entry into force of the Act to prevent skin cancer caused by artificial tanning, which prohibited access to tanning salons for young people under 18, a coalition is calling for an end to this kind of trade.
Among five actions proposed by the Coalition Prioritize Cancer in Quebec, with the aim of preventing cases of skin cancer, we find that of “banning tanning salons”.
The coalition’s executive director, Eva Villalba, mentions that overexposure to UV rays, before the age of 35, increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
“What’s the justification for having tanning salons?” What does it bring us that we can’t have in a healthier way? “, she asks, pointing out that Brazil and Australia have already banned this practice.
Mme Villalba compares light booths to tobacco products.
“It’s an outdated and unhealthy fashion, judges the general manager. When we learned that cigarettes caused cancer, we implemented measures. »
She insists that with the evolution of medical knowledge on the effects of overexposure to UV rays, “there is no longer any reason to stick your head in the sand like an ostrich”.
According to Health Canada, “there is no safe way to tan”. The federal agency thus recommends “not to use tanning devices”.
Health Canada’s online advisory states that some tanning devices “can emit an average of 2 to 14 times more UVA radiation and up to 10 times more UVB radiation than the midday sun in summer. “.
For the moment, the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) is content with an annual communication campaign to raise public awareness of the risks of exposure to UV rays.
In a response sent by email, the MSSS and the National Public Health Department say they take “very seriously the risks of skin cancer linked to exposure [aux] ultraviolet rays”.
However, there are currently no plans for new, tougher regulations against tanning booths.
In addition to tackling tanning salons, the coalition proposes installing sunscreen dispensers in parks and public swimming pools, ensuring the presence of shaded areas in outdoor public spaces, funding programs to raise awareness of skin cancer among young people and to develop a prevention program for people who work outside.
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