The Skin Cancer Prevention Act
Effective as of May 1, 2014
In Ontario, it is now illegal to sell, offer, or advertise tanning services to youth under the age of 18. Tanning bed operators must now request identification from anyone who appears to be under 25 years old, post warning signs, and require that customers use protective eyewear.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care website.
Frequently asked questions
| Why has Ontario adopted a new law that bans youth under 18 years of age from using tanning beds? |
| The new law will protect young people who are at higher risk of harmful effects of UV rays. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ontario today. One in seven people in Ontario will get skin cancer in their lifetime. UV rays from tanning beds are known to cause skin cancer. Your risk of skin cancer later in life increases the earlier you start using tanning beds, and the more often you use them. |
| What does the new law say? |
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| Who will enforce this law? |
| Ontario's local public health agencies will enforce the new law. KFL&A Public Health will be responsible for enforcing the new law in the areas of Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington. |
| What should I do if a tanning bed operator refuses to comply with the law? |
| You can contact the Environmental Health Program at KFL&A Public Health to report your complaint. |
| I am under 18 years of age. Will I be able to use tanning beds if I have permission from my parent or guardian or note from my doctor? |
| No. If you are under 18 years of age, you may not use tanning beds for tanning. |
| If I am a tanning bed operator, what am I required to do? |
As of May 1, 2014, you must:
If you are a new operator, you must:
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| Where can I get the required signs? |
| Contact the Environmental Health Program at KFL&A Public Health for your signs. You can also e-mail environment@kflapublichealth.ca. While you are waiting for your signs, you can download and print off temporary signs from www.ontario.ca/uvrsmart. |
| What are the fines for breaking the law? |
| Fines can be found at the Ontario Court of Justice website (Set Fines I of the Provincial Offences Act, Schedule 82.2 and 82.3). |