Media Releases

Kelowna — July 07 — The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) must think the average Canadian doesn’t understand the risk of overexposure to UV light. Recently in a media video, they compared a toaster to sophisticated indoor commercial sunbathing equipment – which in JCTA salons is by and large controlled by a highly trained certified operator. Simply put there is no comparison, just fear and misinformation.

 There is no comparison: The simple truth is that controlled exposure is the smartest and best way to sunbathe – something Mother Nature intended for all humans.

Rest assured, Sunbathing will never be OUT, just as eating or drinking water will never be out. The public knows that moderate UV exposure, whether from the sun or from indoor sunbathing equipment is where 90% of their vitamin D comes from – UVB exposure to be exact. Food sources are not the way human’s where intended to achieve healthy vitamin D levels and supplements (produced from Sheep Wool) are just that, supplementing something that is natural – sunlight.

Tan safely, tan responsible – choose a JCTA salon.

What are the risks for indoor sunbathing?

Based on the 2009 WHO IARC Report Data for indoor sunbathers:

• Commercial tanning equipment – increase risk 6%, if you include a Skin Type 1 person. This is about the same risk as the food we eat
• Home Units – increase risk 40%, if you include a Skin Type 1 person. Someone that is not trained to use the equipment correctly. 7 times the risk of a commercial unit.
• Medical Units – increase risk 96%, if you include a Skin Type 1 person. High UVB content and drugs used. Greatest risk of overexposure. 16 times the risk of a commercial unit

The JCTA challenges the CDA to prove that this data is wrong. The highest risk factor for UV exposure is not moderate exposure, but overexposure (sunburn) and not knowing your Skin Type. To find out what your skin type is, go to www.SkinType.ca

The JCTA believe that provincial regulations are required and have been calling for them since February 2010 and that working group meetings should be setup with all stakeholders to come up with a comprehensive set of regulations to protect all ages. Key points for a set of regulations:

1. Parental Involvement
2. Certified and Trained staff controlling equipment timers
3. Skin typing every client correctly – Ban Skin Type 1 Canadians no matter what age (Someone that doesn’t tan and sunburns all the time).
4. Warning Sign about Overexposure

All of these key points and more are now controlled by salons that get Professional Liability Insurance. Professional salons follow a full set of guidelines from the JCTA.

http://www.tancanada.org/exports/pdf/guidelines_for_tanning_facilities.pdf

About the Joint Canadian Tanning Association

Founded in 2002, the 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. TanAwareness.com provides a balance to the messaging Canadians receive regarding sun exposure and sunbeds.

Media Contact:
Steven Gilroy, Executive Director

1.800.915.0367 Ext 1

M: 250.863.8765

E: info@TanCanada.org