Sask. government to prohibit tanning beds for people under 18

Following 2015 high school graduations, you can expect fewer prom tans in Saskatchewan.

The provincial government plans to introduce regulations that will prohibit people under 18 years old from using indoor tanning beds. The changes are expected to be in place by fall.

"Our young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor tanning," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said in a news release. "This is one way we can help them lower their risk of melanoma."

Last week, Alberta introduced a bill banning artificial tanning for people under 18. 

Duncan said the province has been keeping a close eye on regulations across the country.

"We have made every effort to be thoughtful about this issue, to gather as much information as possible, and to be aware of different perspectives before proceeding," he said.

'Long overdue'

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) released a statement that applauds the government's decision, but says it is "long overdue."

The CCS states it has advocated for more than five years on this issue and Saskatchewan is the last province in Canada to institute a ban.

In an undercover audit, the CCS revealed more than half of the 42 tanning salons in Regina and Saskatoon were allowing underage teens to tan despite provincial and federal recommendations against the practice.

The decision to ban minors from tanning is also welcome news to Jeanne Gaube.

Gaube was a regular user of tanning beds for years, but started a campaign against them after conducting her own research.

According to the World Health Organization, the use of artificial UV radiation can cause cancer.

"I no longer use tanning beds because of the impact that it has," Gaube said, who speaks to high school students about indoor tanning.