News
Prince George's Council presents legislation aimed at preventing skin cancer
April 25, 2017
COUNCIL PRESENTS LEGISLATION AIMED AT PREVENTING SKIN CANCER
CB-40-2017 Restricts Minors from Indoor Tanning
The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, presented Council Bill 040-2017, legislation proposed by Council Member Mary Lehman (D) - District 1 prohibiting the use of indoor tanning facilities by minors. The legislation will now be referred to the Council’s Health Education and Human Services Committee for consideration.
Council Member Lehman says research shows using an indoor tanning device before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by nearly 60-percent, a risk that increases with each use.
“I am proud to lead the effort to protect the youth of Prince George’s County from the dangers of indoor tanning,” said Council Member Lehman. “While keeping all minors out of tanning devices will not eliminate skin cancer, it will go a long way toward reducing one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest cancers among young people.”
The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,700 Maryland residents are diagnosed annually with melanoma of the skin, which is currently the second most common cancer among females ages 15-29.
Both Howard and Montgomery counties currently limit indoor tanning bed use to residents over the age of 18. According to the Save Your Skin Coalition, implementation of the measure in Prince George’s County would result in nearly 40-percent of residents under the age of 18 in Maryland residing in areas that protect youth from the dangers of indoor tanning.
Council Bill 040-2017 is supported by all three organizations making up the Save Your Skin Coalition- the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the Maryland Dermatologic Society (MDS) and the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA):
“Scientific research has left no doubt of the significant association between indoor tanning and skin cancer. We appreciate the efforts underway in Prince George’s County to help protect young people from this dangerous activity. There is no such thing as a ‘healthy’ tan, so it is important to guard the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays to reduce the risks of skin cancer and premature aging.” - American Academy of Dermatology Association President, Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD
“We are pleased the Prince George’s County Council has taken this important step forward which will reduce the risk of skin cancer among young people. We know that the earlier a person starts tanning, the greater the risk of getting melanoma and other skin cancers later in life, which is why this new ordinance is so critical.” - American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director, Bonita Pennino
"We thank the Prince George's County Council for seeking to protect children from the dangers of indoor tanning. We know there is a greater incidence of cancer the younger that you use tanning beds. In fact, women younger than 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors. We hope that eventually this will be the law in Maryland as it is in 16 other states including D.C., Delaware, Texas, California, and North Carolina.” - Maryland Dermatologic Society President, Dr. Elisabeth Richard