Salons slam tanning-bed bill
February 8, 2010
THE CANADIAN PRESS
Tanning salon operators say proposed federal legislation that would warn consumers of the cancer risks of tanning is political grandstanding and are instead calling on the provinces to help regulate operating standards in the industry.
The Joint Canadian Tanning Association also denies there is any scientific evidence to show tanning beds cause deadly melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.
"We don't think the science even comes anywhere near supporting such a notion," said group president Doug McNabb. "We think it's a little grandstanding politically."
He was referring to a private member's bill Conservative MP James Bezan plans to introduce in the House of Commons in March.
The proposed bill would require radiation warning labels on tanning beds that draw a clear link between ultraviolet rays and skin cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer says using tanning devices before age 30 increases cancer risk by 75 per cent.
Toronto Star