The risk of melanoma is increased by 59% for those who begin indoor tanning before the age of 35 years (Government of Canada, 2014). Multiple studies have found that this early use can increase risk of skin cancer generally by 75% (How to Promote Sun Safety, May 2017). Persons under 18 years of age are prohibited from using UV tanning equipment.

UV radiation from tanning lights is a contributing cause of skin cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Dermatology Association as well as Health Canada strongly recommend that people do not add to their UV radiation exposure by using tanning lights. The “Indoor Tanning is Out” video below warns that artificial tanning is not as safe as you think! It is especially dangerous because UV rays from sunbeds can be up to 10-15 times higher than that of the midday sun.

If your occupation involves you being exposed to UV radiation either from the sun or from artificial sources, you might talk to your Occupational Health and Safety Officer about safety measures.

The Sun Safety at Work Canada (SSAWC) supports workplaces in helping protect their employees from the dangers of exposure to sunlight. The website supports the development of a sun safety program as part of an occupational health and safety management system. More than 70 free resources on sun safety are available to download. 

Outdoor workers, those in construction, farming, and building care and maintenance have up to a 3.5 times greater risk of skin cancer than indoor workers, at least 5,000 skin cancers each year are attributed to occupational sun exposure.

Check your skin regularly for changes in moles or for sores that do not heal. When you're looking for skin changes, think - A, B, C, D, E

• A - Asymmetry (one side looks different than the other)
• B - Border (the edge is irregular)
• C - Colour (there are colour differences in the lesion or spot: brown, black, red, grey, or white)
• D - Diameter (the lesion or spot is getting bigger)
• E - Evolution (changes in colour, size, shape, or symptoms such as itching, bleeding or tenderness)

 Consult your health professional if you have any concerns.

For most people the lifetime exposure to UV rays occurs before they turn 18 years old. The sun exposure children receive while they are young, increases their risk of developing skin cancer as adults.

Sun Safety Tips for Parents

• Plan outdoor activities outside peak UV times – in other words, before 11am and after 3pm. (Daylight Savings time). Try to influence their pre-school or school to change schedules so that they are not outside during these hours. Book sports activities outside of these time zones.
• Use hats and clothing.  Broad-brimmed (8–10 cms or 3 inches) or legionnaire-style hats which cover the face, neck and ears can reduce UV radiation to these areas by about 50 per cent.
• Encourage children to play in the shade.  Plant trees or erect temporary or permanent shade structures in the places where your child plays, or move activities, eg. wading pools, into shaded areas. Remember that UV rays can be reflected onto your child even when they’re in the shade, so use clothing, a hat and sunscreen as well.
• Use an SPF 30+, broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on body parts not able to be covered by hats or clothing. Apply 20-30 minutes before going outside and reapply periodically as sunscreen is easily wiped or sweated off. Use sunscreen lip balm as well.
• Use sunglasses to protect your child’s eyes. Make sure they are designed to be close-fitting around the eyes and that they block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Keep babies under one year of age out of direct sunlight.  This will also prevent dehydration and sunstroke