Ontario's Doctors: Encouraged by Bill to Ban Indoor Tanning

TORONTO, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors wish to congratulate Health Minister Deb Matthews on the introduction today of a bill to ban indoor tanning among Ontarians younger than 18. We urge speedy passage of the bill to make this life-saving measure a reality.

Ontario's doctors have been calling for a ban on the use of indoor tanning equipment since 2010. The UV rays from tanning beds can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which is currently incurable. The World Health Organization has classified tanning beds in their highest cancer risk category, alongside tobacco and asbestos. People exposed to UV radiation from tanning beds at a young age are more likely to develop skin cancer later in life than those who never used tanning beds. However, we recommend that everyone in Ontario, regardless of age, avoid using tanning beds.

QUOTE: 

"We're glad that the province has taken this important step and is moving to ban this dangerous practice. The evidence is simply unequivocal that the use of tanning beds increases cancer risk - and the earlier in life people are exposed to UV rays, the more likely they will develop skin cancer." 

Dr. Doug Weir
President
Ontario Medical Association

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

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