American Academy of Dermatology Association Commends Howard County, Md. for Enacting the Most Restrictive Indoor Tanning Regulation in the Country

American Academy of Dermatology Association Commends Howard County, Md. for
Enacting the Most Restrictive Indoor Tanning Regulation in the Country

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the Howard
County, Md., Board of Health voted unanimously to adopt a regulation which
prohibits the use of indoor tanning devices for all residents under the age of
18. This regulation is the most restrictive of its kind in the nation.

"The American Academy of Dermatology Association applauds Howard County for
enacting such a restrictive regulation to protect its youth from the dangers
associated with indoor tanning," said dermatologist David M. Pariser, MD,
FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). "I
encourage other local jurisdictions and states to follow Howard County's lead
and prohibit the use of tanning devices by minors to reduce the incidence of
skin cancer in the U.S."

The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health
Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer have stated that
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as
tanning beds and sun lamps, is a known human carcinogen, in the same category
as tobacco and tobacco smoking. Yet, nearly 30 million people tan indoors in
the United States annually, including 2.3 million teens.

The adopted resolution, formally introduced by Health Officer Peter L.
Beilenson, MD, MPH, also will regulate the sanitation and hygiene practices of
tanning facilities. The regulations take effect on Thursday, November 12,
2009.

More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United
States this year. Indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with
a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin
cancer, which has become more common in females 15-29 years old.

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 AADA is the resource
for government affairs and practice information for dermatologists, and plays
a major role in formulating policies to enhance the delivery of quality
dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 16,000 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 www.aad.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

Jennifer Allyn, +1-847-240-1730, jallyn@aad.org, Kara McFarland,
+1-847-240-1701, kmcfarland@aad.org, or Allison Sit, +1-847-240-1746,
asit@aad.org, all of American Academy of Dermatology