N.S. to ban minors from tanning beds

Health Minister Maureen MacDonald introduced legislation Friday afternoon that would ban the use of tanning beds for anyone in Nova Scotia under the age of 19.

MacDonald said Nova Scotia has the highest rate of melanoma in the country and that the bill is about protecting young people from getting the cancer.

MacDonald said she expects the legislation to become law by this time next year.

Maureen Summers, CEO of the Nova Scotia division of the Canadian Cancer Society, said Nova Scotia is the first province to introduce such legislation.

"It's, I think, an honour for Nova Scotia to be first in Canada. I think that many of the other provinces are watching Nova Scotia with this announcement and we look forward to seeing other provinces join Nova Scotia in this action," Summers said.

Summers said tanning bed operators would have one year to fall in line should the legislation become law.

Those who violate it would face fines and possible suspensions.

The legislation would also require tanning salons to post warning signs about the damaging effects of using the beds.

In August, the Canadian Medical Association approved a motion calling for a ban on Canadians under 18 using tanning beds because of the increased risk of skin cancer.