Windsor Essex County Health Unit
Tanning beds not safer than actual sun
As the weather gets colder, and the days
get longer and darker, many think about
ways to brighten their lives. Tanning beds
are not a safe way to provide warmth and
comfort on dismal days. In fact, the World
Health Organization has labelled tanning
beds a class one carcinogen. This means
they can cause cancer in humans. These
rays are so harmful that on May 1, 2014,
Ontario implemented a law making it illegal
for anyone under 18 years old to use tanning
beds. The new law also makes it illegal to
provide tanning services to anyone under
18. Tanning salons must check a person’s
identification before they sell or provide
tanning services to anyone who appears to
be under 25.
Tanning beds emit UVA rays that are 10
to 15 times stronger than the summer sun.
The new law also outlines the signage that
tanning salons must post:
• Tanning bed users must have proper eye
protection (as ultraviolet radiation can
result in eye damage such as cataracts and
cancer around the eyes).
• In Windsor and Essex County, complaints
will be handled by public health
inspectors.
• Salons must not direct-market or advertise
to people under 18.
Although it’s not illegal for people over
18 to use tanning beds, their use is
extremely harmful at any age. Here are some
myths and truths about tanning:
Ways to get a
healthy glow
without
tanning beds
Use bronzer
Try self-tanning
creams or sprays
Embrace your
natural look!
Myth: Tanning beds are a good way to get
vitamin D.
Truth: There are safer ways to get your daily
dose of vitamin D. Foods rich in the vitamin
are oranges and orange juice, salmon, eggs
and vitamin D fortified foods, such as milk.
You can take a vitamin D supplement, but
speak to a doctor if you’re concerned about
your levels of vitamin D.
that’s at least SPF 30 and following the
instructions for reapplication.
Myth: I’m under 18 but I used a tanning
bed before the new legislation, so it doesn’t
affect me.
Truth: If you’re under 18, it’s illegal to use a
tanning bed. It doesn’t matter if you used
one in the past.
If you want a golden glow there are
safer choices than UV exposure. Bronzing
make up and s