OTTAWA, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) welcomes the news of British Columbia's new legislation to ban tanning bed use by persons under 18 throughout the Province.
In March 2012, former Health Minister Michael de Jong announced British Columbia would be implementing legislation on indoor tanning and this morning in Victoria current Health Minister Dr Margaret MacDiarmid confirmed the legislation comes into effect today. The CDA urges all governments to adopt similar bans in the interest of protecting the health of Canada's youth.
To date Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Quebec and now British Columbia have put in place bans or regulations on indoor tanning for youth. In Ontario, a private member's bill, introduced in April by Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas, is due for its second reading this month. The bill has the full support of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and the CDA is hopeful this will mean Ontario will soon join the growing list of provinces with indoor tanning legislation.
Research shows indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Recently the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer moved sunbeds (UV tanning beds) to the highest cancer risk category—group 1— 'carcinogenic to humans'.
Dermatologist and CDA President Dr. Gordon Searles, commends Mr. de Jong and Minister MacDiarmid on their efforts to bring forth measures to protect the health of young Canadians. "As dermatologists we strive to educate our patients and the public about the importance of protecting our skin from the sun's damaging effects. With this legislation in place, it will hopefully allow time for youth to reflect on the effects of UV exposure" says Searles. "We praise the efforts put forward in B.C. and other provinces to ban or regulate indoor tanning for youth and encourage the remaining few to take steps towards becoming involved in such an important issue" he concluded.
About CDA
The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association provides easy access to the largest, most reliable source of medical knowledge on dermatology. CDA exists to advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the care of the skin, hair and nails; provide continuing professional development for its members; support and advance patient care; provide public education on sun protection and other aspects of skin health; and promote a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. By doing so, CDA informs and empowers both medical professionals and the Canadian public.
To learn more about what the work CDA does visit www.dermatology.ca or join the conversation on www.Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or www.Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.
SOURCE: Canadian Dermatology Association
Jennifer Scott, Communications Director
Office: 613.738.1748 | 1.800.267.3376 Ext. 222
Email: [email protected]
Laura Craig, Communications Coordinator
Office: 613.738.1748 | 1.800.267.3376
Email: [email protected]
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