OTTAWA, Aug. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is counting down the days until Prince Edward Island's indoor tanning ban comes into effect this September 1st.
Prince Edward Island is only the latest North American jurisdiction to introduce legislation banning the use of indoor tanning equipment to those under the age of 18. Earlier this month Illinois announced similar legislation would take effect on January 1st and September 1st will also mark the first day of the tanning ban in Texas.
"This is welcome news to dermatologists" says Dr Richard Langley, CDA President. "We applaud Minister Doug Currie and the PEI government for recognizing the importance of this legislation and making it a top priority."
Public education is a primary component of the CDA's activities. As such, the CDA is focused on protecting the health of young Canadians and urges all governments to adopt similar indoor tanning bans. An element of the CDA's indoor tanning campaign has been an award winning public service video [Indoor Tanning Isn't Pretty], which tries to convey to teens that some things warrant a little more thought.
There is no such thing as a "healthy tan" warns Langley. "Not only can the radiation from indoor tanning beds give you a tan it also causes premature aging and it increases a person's risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer."
Indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma, and recently sunbeds (UV tanning beds) were moved up to the highest cancer risk category—group 1— 'carcinogenic to humans' by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer.
It is the CDA's hope that Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario will soon pass legislation to protect young people from the dangers of tanning beds and the increased risk of developing skin cancer associated with their use.
Government of PEI Newsroom - Tanning beds prohibited for minors effective September 1, 2013
About the 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 dermatology.ca or join the conversation on Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.
SOURCE: Canadian Dermatology Association
August 31 & September 1
Jennifer Scott, Director of Communications
613.447.8611 | [email protected]
September 3 - Onward
Laura Craig, Communications Coordinator
613.738.1748 x 229 [email protected]
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