Tanning Beds Banned

With summer quickly approaching many people are heading to tanning salons, but others are asking if it’s worth the possible risks of skin cancer.

Saskatchewan has just banned minors under the age of 18 from using tanning beds and it is required by law to check identification. Experts believe the false UV rays affect the skin and may be a cause of skin cancer. Ontario has banned the use of tanning beds by minors as well. Businesses don’t seem to mind although they will lose some business.

Aaron Moore a 19 year old electrical techniques student at St. Clair College, goes tanning twice during the month of April each year to prepare for the summer. “I never actually got to go when I was younger than 18. My parents wouldn’t let me but plenty of girls I know did it. For me it looks beneficial and maybe it causes cancer but what doesn’t these days?” said Moore. “I mean if it happens that sucks and it’s a possibility but it’s possible for anyone, you can get skin cancer from the sun for goodness sake.”

Many young people don’t seem to care about the possibility of cancer from tanning beds. Some businesses are not worried that they will lose customers even with the Ontario restriction on tanning beds. Lauren Savoni, who works for Darkside Tanning, said they rarely have customers who are under 18.

“Most of our customers are 22 to 26 years old. I understand that skin cancer is a possibility but I wouldn’t allow that to stop me from tanning, I’m going to live my life to the fullest and being tan makes me feel great!” said Savoni.

Savoni said she tans regularly and although it is possible skin cancer can come from the beds she finds it to be relaxing and has never personally known anyone who has used tanning beds to be affected by skin cancer.

To all those 18 year olds it looks like you’ll be tanning the old fashioned way, under the sun.