Canadian Cancer Society hopes tanning bed legislation comes to Alberta soon
Alberta and Saskatchewan are the only Canadian provinces without regulations restricting use among youth
The Canadian Cancer Society is hoping legislation expected to be introduced in the spring session will put tanning beds back in the spotlight.
Alberta and Saskatchewan are the only two provinces that don't have any regulations restricting the use of tanning beds by people under the age of 18.
Sarah Hawkins, a research analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society, says a recent study shows any use of indoor tanning facilities before the age of 35 can increase a person's risk of developing melanoma by almost 60 per cent.
"Alberta is desperately behind Canada and the rest of the world when it comes to regulating youth use of indoor tanning equipment," she said.
Hawkins says although the government should provide strict guidelines, it's up to parents as well to educate their children about the risks associated with tanning beds.
"It's one of those things that parents don't necessarily think of when they talk to their children," she said.
"But it is a significant risk to their health and one that most kids aren't really considering as a risk among the things they partake in on a regular basis."
According to sources at Alberta Health, the new legislation should be tabled "any day now" and its emphasis will be on protecting young people.