Nova Scotians under the age of 19 will have to go elsewhere to get a golden glow, after the province introduced new legislation banning them from using tanning beds.
The province says it is hoping to protect youth from harmful UV ray exposure with the new Tanning Bed Act, which makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to use a tanning bed.
The legislation came into effect Tuesday.
The Department of Health and Wellness says studies show that indoor tanning before the age of 35 raises the risk of melanoma by 75 per cent.
It says skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada overall, and yet is it also one of the most preventable.
"This is about protecting the health and well-being of young Nova Scotians," says Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health and Wellness in the statement.
"Nova Scotia has among the highest incidence rates of cancer, including melanoma, in the country and we need to do all we can to reduce the risk to our youth of developing this disease."
Over the next few weeks tanning bed operators across the province will receive information packages, including signs, detailing the new regulations.
A guide will also be distributed to tanning bed operators to educate them on how to bring the new regulations into effect.
"While we take this new law very seriously, it is also our responsibility to ensure that tanning bed operators have the proper information and have adequate time to adjust their business practices," says MacDonald.
Inspectors will be visiting tanning salons across the province in the fall to ensure they are in compliance with the new rules.
A 1-800-number will also be available where people can report wrongdoing.
Tanning bed operators can be fined up to a maximum of $10,000 and have their businesses closed for up to two years for repeated violations of the act.
