Key statistics: Exposure to solar and artificial UVR in Canada

Access data on sun safety and tanning behaviours across Canada

Inside this UVR policy pack

Key statistics

Canadians (aged 12+) sun safety behaviour in the summer months (2016 reporting year)

Looking at data from 2016 this map offers a snapshot of how many Canadians aged 12 and over report spending 4-6 hours in the sun and seeking shade after 30 minutes or more in the sun over the summer months in five provinces across Canada (New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan). This data is presented in a map of ultraviolet radiation zones across the country, measured in Joules per metres squared, from June through August between the years of 1980 through 1990.Map of Canada shows the percentage of the population reporting spending 4-6 hours in sun, and the percentage of the population seeking shade when in the sun for 30 minutes or more, in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan only. Saskatchewan: 21.7% spend 4-6 hours in sun; 29.3% seek shade after 30 minutes or more of sun Manitoba: 22.6% spend 4-6 hours in sun; 30.3% seek shade after 30 minutes or more of sun Ontario: 15.6% spend 4-6 hours in sun; 30.6% seek shade after 30 minutes or more of sun Quebec: 22.0% spend 4-6 hours in sun; 35.0% seek shade after 30 minutes or more of sun New Brunswick: 24.5% spend 4-6 hours in sun; 36.0% seek shade after 30 minutes or more of sun UVR exposure is highest in the summer months in the southern-most areas of the country.

Data table

Province Percentage of population spending 4-6 hours in the sun Percentage of population seeking shade when in sun for 30 mins or more
New Brunswick 24.5% 36.0%
Quebec 22.0% 35.0%
Ontario 15.6% 30.6%
Manitoba 22.6% 30.3%
Saskatchewan 21.7% 29.3%

NOTES

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey.
Data available for NB, QC, ON, MB and SK in 2016 reporting year only.
Adapted from Statistics Canada: Mean ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in Joules per metres squared (J/m2) for June through August, Canada, 1980 through 1990.

Canadians (12+) tanning behaviour (2015 – 2016 reporting years combined)

Looking at data from 2015 and 2016 combined, this graphic reports on tanning behaviours for Canadians aged 12 and older in four provinces (Québec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan).Graphic displays data for four types of tanning behaviours in Québec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan as follows: Percentage of the population reporting using a tanning bed or booth with tanning lamps - QC: 4.1%; ON: 2.8%; MB: 5.0%; SK: 4.6% Year a tanning bed ban for minors was introduced - QC: 2013; ON: 2014; MB: 2016; SK: 2015 Percentage of the population reporting using a tanning bed or booth to get a good base tan - QC: 43%; ON: 48%; MB: 66%; SK: 64% Percentage of the population reporting using a tanning bed or booth to look good/healthy - QC: 38%; ON: 26%; MB: 11%; SK: 15.5%

NOTES

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey.
Data available for NB, QC, ON, MB and SK only in 2015 – 2016 reporting years combined.