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Tanning Beds and Lamps
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Even though there is no safe tan, the use of tanning equipment (sunlamps or tanning beds) has become increasingly popular in Canada. A tan from the sun's rays or from a tanning bed in a salon will damage your skin.
If you do decide to use tanning equipment, it is important to be aware of the risks so you can make an informed decision about the amount of ultraviolet radiation you expose yourself to. See the It's Your Health article Tanning Lampss and the resources below for more information.
Health Canada's Role
Health Canada's Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau assesses, monitors and helps reduce health and safety risks from radiation emitting devices and other sources of radiation, including tanning equipment.
For More Information
Safety guidelines and regulations for tanning equipment
- Guidelines for Tanning Salon Owners, Operators, and Users, 2005
This booklet is designed to help tanning salon owners, operators and users of tanning salons understand ultraviolet radiation and its effects on people. It talks about the risks of tanning, gives information on cosmetic and medicinal products that increase ultraviolet effects, and provides a list of general guidelines. The final section has a series of questions for tanning salon personnel to test their knowledge and understanding of the information in this booklet.
Ultraviolet Radiation
Overexposure causes skin and eye burns.
Use protective eyewear. Follow instructions.
Drugs and cosmetics may increase UV effects.
UV exposure can be hazardous to your health and
in the long term can contribute to premature ageing
and skin cancer. UV effects are cumulative.
Greater risks are associated with early and repeated exposure.
- Tanning Equipment - Warning Signs
Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (Tanning Equipment), published on Feb. 23, 2005 in The Canada Gazette, Part II
- Frequently Asked Questions on the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (Tanning Equipment)
Ultraviolet Radiation and Safety
- Ultraviolet Radiation
Learn more about natural and artificial UV radiation and Health Canada's role.
- Tanning Products
Learn more about tanning products, including sunscreen and sunglasses. - Sun Safety
Find out how to protect your family from the sun and teach children about the UV Index.
UV Safety and Tanning Fact Sheets
- Babies, Children and Sun Safety
- Preventing Skin Cancer
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreens
- Sun Safety
- Tanning Under Lights
- Ultraviolet Radiation From the Sun
Questions and Comments
To report an incident or make an inquiry regarding tanning equipment or ultraviolet radiation:
