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