Media Releases

TORONTO – Canadians are about to learn a lot more about tanning, thanks to the Joint Canadian Tanning Association’s new website:tanawareness.com. The site is a valuable resource for those seeking factual information about tanning. It will also address some of the myths about tanning. “UV exposure in levels consistent with tanning is natural and intended – a fact that often gets lost in over-trumped sun care messages. That’s why Canadians need to know the facts and not the myths about sun exposure,” says Steve Gilroy, JCTA Executive Director. “The development of tanawareness.com stems from findings that most Canadians don’t realize the sun avoidance message may be harmful in some cases due to a lack of exposure and the blocking of Vitamin D production by sunscreens. The main objective is to provide the facts and let Canadians decide for themselves what they think about sunlight, tanning, vitamin D and the proper use of sunscreen,” Gilroy said. “A lack of information about tanning and exposure to sun can have potentially detrimental consequences.

Research has shown that 97% of Canadians are vitamin D deficient at some point during the year. Still, the Canadian Dermatology Association messaging seems to promote sun abstinence. Tanawarness.com provides a balanced message about UV exposure – underexposure, overexposure (sunburn) and moderate exposure (tanning). It is important Canadians know about the ability to optimize vitamin D levels by tanning and exposure to the sun,” said Gilroy. “We simply want Canadians to have the facts, after that, we trust they will be able to draw their own conclusions about tanning.” Tanawareness.com features information about: – Tanning and sunlight myths – Vitamin D and UV light – Sunscreen – Tanning facts About the JCTA The Joint Canadian Tanning Association (JCTA) is a national non-profit organization created to increase understanding of the professional tanning industry’s scientifically supported position that regular moderate ultraviolet exposure from sunshine or sunbed in a non-burning fashion is part of a responsible lifestyle that recognizes both the inherent benefits and the manageable risks associated with ultraviolet light exposure. For further information: Steve Gilroy, ATP, Executive Director, JCTA, T: (800)915-0367 ext 101, C: (250) 863-8765, E: Info@TanCanada.org, www.tancanada.org