McNerney Cautions Residents About Health Risks With Tanning Salons
By Mel Fabrikant Monday, March 30, 2009, 04:10 PM EDT
Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney and the Department of Health Services remind parents that tanning salons carry significant health risks and are not a safe alternative to sunbathing. Existing evidence indicates that tanning salons carry health risks similar to sunbathing, including skin cancer, skin damage, and long-term eye damage.
“Studies show that exposure to ultraviolet light from tanning salons has caused a sharp increase in skin cancer,” said McNerney. “It’s important that young people pay more attention to the damage they may be causing their bodies.”
Under New Jersey state law, the use of tanning beds is prohibited for children under the age of 14. Individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 wanting to use tanning beds must have written authorization from their parents/guardians stating that they have read and understand the warnings. Tanning facilities must also conspicuously post warning signs that state the dangers of using tanning beds.
According to a recent study, annual cases of melanoma among young women increased by 50 percent between 1980 and 2004. While all people should avoid tanning salons because of the damage inflicted, young people are especially vulnerable because they are more susceptible to irreversible skin damage.
For more information and education materials on sun safety behaviors and melanoma, please contact the Health Promotion Request Line at 201-634-2704. Be sure to indicate the topic you are requesting, your name, and a mailing address.
“Studies show that exposure to ultraviolet light from tanning salons has caused a sharp increase in skin cancer,” said McNerney. “It’s important that young people pay more attention to the damage they may be causing their bodies.”
Under New Jersey state law, the use of tanning beds is prohibited for children under the age of 14. Individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 wanting to use tanning beds must have written authorization from their parents/guardians stating that they have read and understand the warnings. Tanning facilities must also conspicuously post warning signs that state the dangers of using tanning beds.
According to a recent study, annual cases of melanoma among young women increased by 50 percent between 1980 and 2004. While all people should avoid tanning salons because of the damage inflicted, young people are especially vulnerable because they are more susceptible to irreversible skin damage.
For more information and education materials on sun safety behaviors and melanoma, please contact the Health Promotion Request Line at 201-634-2704. Be sure to indicate the topic you are requesting, your name, and a mailing address.
