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Archives Of Facial Plastic Surgery
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Question: A new study finds there is no uniformity
when it comes to laws governing indoor tanning for youth. Both the
authors of the study and the author of an accompanying editorial call
for action to model tanning bed laws on the example of tobacco laws
for youth.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States
with more than 1 million new cases reported in 2002. For many
teenagers, tanned skin is considered socially acceptable as a sign of
beauty and health. In fact, the number of minors using tanning devices
is growing. Researchers from the University of Colorado Health
Sciences Center compared laws governing youth access to indoor tanning
facilities to those governing youth access to tobacco.
The authors of the study looked at the laws in six industrialized
nations. Specifically, they looked at national, provincial and state
legal systems in Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, England and
the United States.
Researchers report the five English-speaking countries prohibit access
to tobacco but rarely limit youth access to UV irradiation from
tanning salons. Researchers did find some limited access in few states
in the United States and regions in Canada. For example, Texas,
Illinois, Wisconsin and New Brunswick prohibit tanning salon use by
minors younger than 13, 14, 16 and 18 years old, respectively. On the
other hand, French law bans those under 18 from using a tanning salon
and, until recently, allowed them to buy tobacco. In February 2003,
France passed a new law banning the sale of tobacco to children under
16.
Authors of this study say laws governing youth access to indoor
tanning merit consideration. Marie-France Demierre, M.D., from Boston
Medical Center agrees. In an editorial, Dr. Demierre writes, "There is
unequivocal evidence that indoor tanning represents harm to young
people." She says dermatologists, health professionals, policy makers
and parents must join efforts to move this issue forward. She feels a
grassroots effort will be key in creating laws that govern youth
access to indoor tanning salons.
So does anyone in the group have any comments about this story?
Answer: Over exposure to sunlight increases ones risk for skin cancer. And the
skin of young children is more susceptible to the effects than that of
adults.
Problem is that most people don't realize their risk until the fifth or
sixth decade. Facial surgery and other skin surgeries to remove the
cancer can be disfiguring.
Over exposure to sunlight also causes premature aging of the skin. Tan
may look great when your in your 20s. Most women don't find wrinkled,
leathery skin very enjoyable when they reach their 30s and 40s.
Comment:
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