Ultraviolet Radiation

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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from a variety of natural and artificial sources, including the sun, welding equipment, lasers, tanning equipment, and certain lamps.

Serving many beneficial purposes, UV can be used to kill germs, treat various skin conditions, and is necessary for the formation of vitamin D3 in our bodies. As with all forms of radiation, however, there are risks involved with UV. Overexposure to UV has been attributed to the following negative health effects: sunburns, premature skin aging, skin cancer, eye problems and the weakening of the immune system.

Health Canada shares a joint initiative with Environment Canada called the UV Index Sun Awareness Program. This program is aimed at elementary and high school teachers to teach their students how to use the UV index as a tool to better protect themselves from the harmful UV rays from the sun. Consult our UV Index Sun Awareness Program section to learn more about the program, consult our resources and register your school.

For general information on ultraviolet radiation, sun safety, and what you can do to protect yourself

• Babies, Children and Sun Safety
• It's Your Health: Preventing Skin Cancer
• It's Your Health: Sunglasses
• It's Your Health: Sunscreens
• It's Your Health: Ultraviolet Radiation From the Sun
• Sun Safety (Factsheet)
• Sun Safety Section
• Tanning Under Lights

For safety guidelines and regulations related to tanning equipment

• Frequently Asked Questions on the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (Tanning Equipment)
• Guidelines for Tanning Salon Owners, Operators, and Users, 2005
  
  This booklet is designed to give tanning salon owners, operators and users of tanning salons a fundamental understanding of ultraviolet radiation and its effects on people. It discusses the risks of tanning, provides information on certain cosmetic and medicinal products that increase ultraviolet effects, and provides a list of general guidelines. The final section contains a series of questions for tanning salon personnel to test their knowledge and understanding of the information in this booklet.
  
  
   Tanning Equipment - Warning Signs
  • JPG Format - 474 K
  • EPS Format - 8177 K
  • PDF Version - 61 K
  
  
•  Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (Tanning Equipment), published on Feb. 23, 2005 in The Canada Gazette Part II

To make an inquiry regarding ultraviolet radiation or tanning equipment

• Contact the Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau