OTTAWA, May 18, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Dermatology Association welcomed the news that Quebec has introduced legislation to ban tanning bed use by persons under 18 throughout the Province.
Dermatologist Joel Claveau, who spearheaded the campaign for the ban in Quebec, applauded the leadership shown by Health Minister, Dr. Yves Bolduc, who introduced the measure in the legislature on May 15. "Dermatologists have expressed concern about the unnecessary risks faced by young people tanning artificially and have campaigned nationally for a ban of this kind," said Dr. Claveau. "We applaud Minister Bolduc's leadership introducing this law."
The Canadian Dermatology Association is actively pushing all governments to adopt similar bans. A component of the campaign has been an award winning public service video [Indoor Tanning Isn't Pretty] that has been viewed on YouTube by over 41,000 people.
Not only can the ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning beds cause premature aging, it also increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Indoor tanning before the age of 30 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.
"We hope all of the provinces and territories will soon take steps to protect our young people from increasing the risk of developing skin cancer and other ill effects from this unnecessary cosmetic treatment," concluded Dr. Claveau.
About CDA
The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association strives to provide 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 Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.
Jennifer Scott, Communications & Projects Officer
Office: 613.738.1748 / 1.800.267.3376 Ext. 222 | [email protected]
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