Sun Safety and Tanning

Ultraviolet rays (UVR) are a public health concern because:

  • UVR can harm all types of skin tones, as well as the eyes;
  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, and rates of melanoma are increasing.
  • Climate change will thin the ozone layer, causing more cumulative UV radiation exposure, higher temperatures and possibly more time spent outdoors – increasing the risk of sunburn, skin aging, skin cancer and eye damage. 

Anyone can get skin cancer

Ultra-violet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning are the most important risk factors for melanoma skin cancer, but there are many other factors. Check out the Canadian Cancer Society’s risk factors for melanoma skin cancer to learn more.

Enjoy the sun safely: Protect your skin and your eyes

 When heading outdoors:

 Protect your skin
  • Check the daily UV Index forecast.  When the UV Index is 3 or higher, protect your skin accordingly. In general, the UV Index in Canada can be 3 or higher from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. between April and September, even when it's cloudy.
  • Seek shade or bring your own (e.g., an umbrella).
  • Wear clothing and your favorite wide-brimmed hat that cover as much skin as possible, as appropriate to the activity and weather.
  • Use sunscreen labelled "broad spectrum" and "water-resistant" with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, on skin not covered by clothing. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply at least every two hours.
  • Avoid getting a sunburn or deliberately trying to get a suntan, and avoid using UV tanning equipment.
 Protect your eyes
  • Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection or prescription eyeglasses with UV-protective lenses.
  • Wear your favorite wide-brimmed hat for added eye protection.
 Additional recommendations
  • Use sources of vitamin D that are safer than UVR exposure, e.g., choose your favorite dietary sources from vitamin D fortified foods, and vitamin D supplements. Intentional UVR exposure to meet vitamin D requirements is not recommended.

Tips to make this easy:

 Shade
  • Good-quality shade includes dense vegetation and covered structures that offer shade from the side, and not just overhead, to protect against scattered UVR.
  • Cloth sources of shade, such as canopies and umbrellas, should have tightly woven fabric.
  • Additional personal protection (clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen) is recommended even when in the shade to protect against scattered UVR, especially on high UV Index days.
 Clothing
  • Hats with a wide brim that shade the head, face, ears and back of the neck are best.
  • In general, clothing provides better protection than sunscreen.
  • Tightly woven or UV-protective labelled clothing is recommended.
 Sunscreen
  •  Use sunscreen that says on the label:
    • "Broad spectrum"
    • "SPF 30" or higher
    • "Water resistant"
  • Sunscreen should be used on exposed skin not covered by protective clothing for the best protection. Consider using sunscreen for the lips (e.g., sunscreen lip balm) as well.
  • Use a generous amount of sunscreen (e.g., the average adult requires approximately two to three tablespoons of lotion-formulated sunscreen to cover the whole body, and a teaspoon to cover the face and neck).
  • Reapply after swimming, strenuous exercise, or toweling off.
  • Sunscreen comes in a variety of formulations. Find one that suits you best and apply it properly with thorough coverage. Sunscreen formulations that you find easier to apply thoroughly will be more effective.
 Eye protection
  • Because UVR is harmful to the eyes and is present in the sun's rays all year round and throughout the day, eye protection may be required even when skin protection is not.
  • Eye protection is essential around highly reflective environments, such as snow, sand and water to prevent UV damage to the eyes.
  • The best UV protection for eyes is offered by close-fitting wraparound sunglasses.
  • Opt for sunglasses or prescription lenses offering complete protection against UVA and UVB, for example lenses labelled "UV400" or "100% UV protection."
  • Wear your favourite wide-brimmed hat for added eye protection.

Check out this video from the Canadian Cancer Society:

 

Babies and Children

Overexposure to UV radiation in childhood increases the risk of skin cancer:

  • It is best to keep babies under one year out of direct sunlight at all times.
  • Use a canopy or umbrella over your baby's stroller to give shade.
  • Have children wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen should not be applied to a baby less than 6 months old.

Childcares and Schools

Registering for the Canadian Cancer Society’s SunSense program will help your child’s childcare, school or summer camp create a sun safe environment. Access to resources for children, parents and educators will help teach your child lifelong habits to stay safe from harmful UV radiation. 

Outdoor Workers

Being safe in the sun is essential for those who work outdoors. The Sun Safety at Work website is an important resource for employers and for employees, providing information and resources for workplaces to manage sun exposure, an occupational hazard.

Artificial Tanning Equipment

Provincial legislation bans the use of tanning beds by youth 

The Ontario Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds) bans the use of tanning beds by youth under 18 years of age. This legislation protects youth from the proven dangers associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As of May 1st, 2014, all tanning bed operators have to comply with this legislation and are subject to an inspection in locations where ultraviolet tanning treatments are offered, including but not limited to, tanning salons, spas and fitness centers.

All tanning bed operators are required by law to register their business with OPH. If you operate a tanning bed, you must register your business by contacting the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-69656) or by email at healthsante@ottawa.ca.

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