Tue, 14 Aug 2012
Heeding warnings from health and safety experts, Council unanimously approved a by-law amendment last night that makes the Town of Oakville the first municipality in Ontario to ban teens younger than 18 from using tanning equipment in salons. The by-law comes into effect immediately.
The adoption of this amendment, spearheaded by Councillors Ralph Robinson and Pam Damoff, aims to protect youth from the dangers of tanning equipment.
“It's important that young people are aware of the risks associated with UV rays and the skin damage caused by the type of radiation used in tanning equipment,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Council and I acted in 2007 to ban cosmetic use of pesticides and broke the logjam of talk that was blocking action at the province. Perhaps our leadership will make provincial action happen again."
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, delivered by artificial tanning lights, is the most common risk factor for melanoma.
Dermatologist Dr. Sam Hanna, a member of the Canadian Dermatology Association believes that Oakville can lead the change in legislation regarding the dangers of artificial tanning. “Oakville has made history; hopefully leading to similar changes in other municipalities and will urge the Ministry of Health to respond with a province-wide ban."
At the request of Council, the town has also issued a letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty and the local Members of Provincial Parliament, endorsing the private member’s bill that would bar anyone under the age of 18 from accessing tanning equipment in Ontario. In addition, the town has requested that Halton Regional Council direct the Chief Medical Officer of Health to address the issue and report back on the potential development of regulations to prohibit the use of tanning equipment by those under the age of 18 years throughout the Region of Halton.
Phil Bouillon
Clerks Department
Town of Oakville
905-845-6601, ext. 3093
pbouillon@oakville.ca
Emma Murphy
Senior Communications Advisor
Town of Oakville
905-845-6601, ext. 3096
emurphy@oakville.ca