Ban tanning beds for minors, MDs urge

Doctors Nova Scotia wants the province to ban the use of tanning beds by people under the age of 18.

The resolution passed Saturday at the association's annual meeting in Halifax.

Doctors Nova Scotia president Jane Brooks said tanning beds are dangerous, especially for people who start young.

"It's the lifetime accumulated risk for young people, and perhaps not having all the facts to make that choice when you're younger," she said. 

Health Canada guidelines say children shouldn't tan because exposure can cause skin cancer — but compliance is only voluntary.

Brooks said a ban on minors using tanning beds is in place in many European countries and some American states. She is hoping either the provincial or federal government will follow suit.

Doctors Nova Scotia plans to confer with Nova Scotia's health minister about the proposed ban as soon as possible.

At least two tanning salons in downtown Halifax offer special prom discounts for students. Both businesses say they don't let children under 16 tan without permission from their parents.