Tanning Beds and UV Radiation

Health risks of ultraviolet radiation exposure

Tanning beds and sunlight both expose your skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma. 

Skin damage caused by UV exposure is cumulative; it builds over time. The more you are exposed, the higher your risk. 

Your chances of getting skin cancer increase with the use of tanning equipment (like tanning beds). The risks are higher with repeated use of tanning equipment before age 35.  

Laws that protect youth

Ontario’s Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013 (external link) regulates the sale, promotion, and use of tanning services across the Province. It aims to reduce early exposure to UV radiation by restricting youth access to tanning equipment, including tanning beds. This helps lower the risk of skin cancer later in life. 

Under this Act:

• it is illegal to sell, offer, advertise, or market tanning services to anyone under age 18
• operators of tanning facilities must verify client age and comply with specific public health and safety requirements 

In Halton Region, public health inspectors conduct inspections of tanning facilities when operators notify Public Health of their intention to offer tanning services or UV light treatments for tanning. Inspections also occur in response to complaints.

Learn more about the requirements for tanning beds at the Government of Ontario’s information page: The Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013 (external link)

Requirements for tanning equipment operators 

If you operate a tanning facility, you must follow the Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013.

Opening and service offering requirements

At least 14 days before offering tanning services or UV light treatments, you must contact Halton Region Public Health using the online notification form or call 311 .

Operating requirements

The Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013 requirements for tanning bed operators include: 

• checking government-issued ID for anyone who appears under 25
• refusing service to anyone under 18
• posting the prescribed signs stating the ban on minors and the health risks of tanning bed use
• having a trained attendant present during all tanning sessions
• providing and requiring proper protective eyewear
• keeping all protective eyewear clean and compliant
• teaching all clients how to use the equipment safely
• refraining from advertising or marketing to anyone under 18

Signage requirements

The Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013  (external link) requires specific warning and information signs to be clearly posted at tanning facilities:

1. Point of Sale Warning Sign
2. Health Warning Sign
3. Age Restriction and Identification Decal
4. Employee Reminder Decal

Download the signs at the Government of Ontario’s information page: The Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013 (external link)