American Academy of Dermatology Issues Statement Endorsing the World Health Organization's Recommendation to Restrict Tanning Bed Use

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) today issued a statement endorsing the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation that no person under the age of 18 should use a tanning bed.

"The American Academy of Dermatology commends the World Health Organization for recognizing how dangerous tanning beds are, especially to young people," said dermatologist Clay J. Cockerell, M.D., president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "This reputable, internationally respected medical organization has confirmed what the Academy has known for many years. We strongly encourage the adoption of WHO's recommendation nationwide and worldwide.

"While many health issues are complex and involve multiple factors, we know that ultraviolet light is the primary cause of skin cancer and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun and other forms of ultraviolet radiation is the solution," said Dr. Cockerell. "Indoor tanning is particularly troubling because it is so unnecessary. It is not associated with playing sports or other outdoor activities, but is practiced solely for cosmetic reasons. Individuals who utilize tanning beds are intentionally putting their health at risk."

This year, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States -- exceeding the incidence of all other cancers combined. It is estimated that there will be about 105,750 new cases of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) in 2005, which represents a 10 percent increase in new cases of melanoma from 2004.

Indoor tanning is a booming business in the United States, generating estimated revenues in excess of $5 billion a year. Most salons use bulbs in their tanning beds that emit a significant amount of ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A radiation -- both of which are associated with the development of skin cancer and premature aging. In fact, the United States Department of Health and Human Services lists ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial light sources such as tanning beds and sun lamps as a known carcinogen.

The manufacturers of indoor tanning equipment are regulated at the federal level. Once manufacturers sell the equipment to tanning salons, it is generally up to each individual state to regulate their operations. While 26 states regulate tanning salon operators, the legislation varies in severity and there is limited enforcement. For example, some states go so far as to prohibit access to tanning booths by minors without parental consent, while some require salon owners to post warning signs in a visible location in the salon. However, other states may only establish educational and training standards for tanning salon operators.

"Even in those states where there are some elementary safety regulations, it is not clear if they are being enforced and what agency is enforcing them," explained Dr. Cockerell. "That means children and teens have open access to equipment that appears to be utilized in an often careless fashion. We applaud the state legislators in Texas, California and Tennessee who have worked vigorously to enact tough legislation restricting the use of indoor tanning facilities, especially among minors. We encourage more states to consider the WHO recommendation and enact and enforce regulations that prohibit indoor tanning for minors."

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) position statement on indoor tanning encourages states to aggressively pursue legislation that protect children. Specifically, the AADA supports the following requirements for indoor tanning facilities:

   -- No minor should be permitted to use tanning devices.
   -- A Surgeon General's warning should be placed on all tanning devices.
   -- No person or facility should advertise the use of any ultraviolet A or
      ultraviolet B tanning device using wording such as "safe," "safe
      tanning," "no harmful rays," "no adverse effect," or similar wording
      or concepts.

"Throughout most of the country, none of the basic safety measures that the Academy is proposing are required," stated Dr. Cockerell. "While we protect our young people from using alcohol and tobacco, we do not protect them from engaging in indoor tanning, which research has shown is dangerous. We urge the federal government and all states to take immediate action to protect young people from this unhealthy activity."

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating socioeconomic policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org/ .