Dermatologists Commend Newfoundland Tanning Ban

OTTAWA, June 7, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) welcomed today's announcement that Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced legislation to ban the use of tanning beds by people under 19 throughout the Province.

In July 2011 at the end of his term as CDA President, St. John's dermatologist Dr. Ian Landells focused his attention on protecting the health of young Newfoundlanders by pursuing a ban on indoor tanning. Today Health Minister Susan Sullivan tabled a bill, the Personal Services Act, which would ban access to tanning beds from those under the age of 19. Also included under the Personal Services Act are body piercing, tattooing and various forms of body modification.

Dr. Landells and dermatologists across the country would like to commend Minister Sullivan for heeding the call to protect the long-term health and well-being of young Canadians. "Dermatologists have been campaigning for this same ban across Canada," said Dr. Landells. "We applaud Minister Sullivan for making this a top priority and seeing fit to introduce this important law."

The Canadian Dermatology Association is urging all governments to adopt similar bans. A component of the campaign has been an award winning public service video [Indoor Tanning Isn't Pretty]. "The number of young people who use tanning salons is staggering," says Dr. Denise Wexler, CDA President "so we decided to reach out to them online through the sites we know they use." The video bas been viewed over 41,000 times.

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.

"It is our hope that the rest of Canada will soon follow suit and protect our young people from the dangers and increased of developing skin cancer from unnecessary UV exposure," concluded Dr. Wexler. 

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 www.Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or www.Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.

Jennifer Scott, Communications & Projects Officer
Office: 613.738.1748 / 1.800.267.3376 Ext. 222 | Email: [email protected]