Tanning equipment and labelling 

There is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan from the sun's rays or from the use of tanning equipment will damage your skin.

If you do decide to use tanning equipment, it is important to be aware of the risks so you can make an informed decision about the amount of ultraviolet radiation you expose yourself to. See the It's Your Health article Tanning Lamps and the resources below for more information.

Health Canada's Role

Health Canada's Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau assesses, monitors and helps reduce health and safety risks from radiation emitting devices and other sources of radiation, including tanning equipment.

For More Information

Safety guidelines and regulations for tanning equipment

• Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations, Schedule II, Part XI (Tanning Equipment)

• Tanning Equipment - Warning Signs Equipment for full- or half-body exposure utilize the large (75x200mm) label. The small (50x100mm) label is to be used in any other case.
  • English (75x200mm):
    • JPG Format - 213 K
    • EPS Format - 743 K
    • PDF Version - 234 K
      
  • English (50x100mm):
    • JPG Format - 213 K
    • EPS Format - 743 K
    • PDF Version - 234 K
      
  • French (75x200mm):
    • JPG Format - 213 K
    • EPS Format - 743 K
    • PDF Version - 234 K
      
  • French (50x100mm):
    • JPG Format - 213 K
    • EPS Format - 743 K
    • PDF Version - 234 K
      

• Guidelines for Tanning Equipment Owners, Operators and Users

  This guideline is designed to help tanning equipment owners, tanning salons operators and users understand ultraviolet radiation and its effects on people. It talks about the risks of tanning, gives information on cosmetic and medicinal products that increase ultraviolet effects, and provides a list of general guidelines.

• Frequently Asked Questions on the Amendments to the Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (Tanning Equipment), published on Feb. 26, 2014 in The Canada Gazette, Part II, and in force May 7, 2014

Ultraviolet Radiation and Safety

• Ultraviolet Radiation
  Learn more about natural and artificial UV radiation and Health Canada's role.
• Tanning Products
  Learn more about tanning products, including sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Sun Safety
  Find out how to protect your family from the sun and teach children about the UV Index.

UV Safety and Tanning Fact Sheets

• Preventing Skin Cancer
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreens

Questions and Comments

To report an incident or make an inquiry regarding tanning equipment or ultraviolet radiation:

• Contact the Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau