Dermatology Association Commends Howard County For Indoor Tanning Regulation

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Preventive Medicine
Article Date: 23 Sep 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Today Howard County, Md., Executive Kenneth Ulman and Health Officer Peter Beilenson, MD, MPH, announced they are introducing a regulation to the Howard County Board of Health that would prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices for all residents under the age of 18. If passed, this regulation would be the most restrictive of its kind in the nation.

"The American Academy of Dermatology Association applauds Howard County for proposing such a restrictive regulation and urges members of the county's Board of Health to enact this into law," said dermatologist David M. Pariser, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association. "This resolution comes on the heels of new research published in the Archives of Dermatology that shows teenagers have alarming access to artificial UV radiation even in states with parental consent and accompaniment restrictions. A ban on indoor tanning for minors is needed to begin to protect our young people from this cancer-causing behavior."

The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer have stated that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, is a known human carcinogen, in the same category as cigarettes. Yet, nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the United States annually. Of these, 2.3 million are teens.

"Just as U.S. law prohibits sales of cigarettes to teenagers, there should be laws that restrict teen use of indoor tanning by those under 18," said Dr. Pariser.

More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which has become more common in females 15-29 years old.

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating socioeconomic policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)