Banning children and youth under the age of 18 years from commercial tanning facilities

Question 1

What is the frequency of UV radiation?

Answer 1

1. UVA 315-400nm
2. UVB 280-315nm
3. UVC 100-280nm

Question 2

What does UVA do?

Answer 2

Immediate pigment darkening upon exposure due to stimulation of synthesis of melanin molecules in the skin. Erythema and sunburn are acute reactions and it damages DNA resulting in discrete mutations

Question 3

What does UVB do?

Answer 3

Further darkening of the skin in the days following exposure but activation of skin melanocytes. Erythema and sunburn are acute reactions and it damages DNA resulting in discrete mutations

Question 4

What increases risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM)?

Answer 4

1. Light skin colour
2. Easy-to-burn skin
3. Skin moles
4. Freckles
5. First degree relative w/ CMM
6. Personal history of CMM
7. High atypical nevus count
8. Red or blonde hair colour

Question 5

What is the incidence of CMM in Canada?

Answer 5

15.2 per 100 000 in 2009

Question 6

What percentage of skin cancer deaths are attributable to CMM?

Answer 6

75%

Question 7

What factors are responsible for the increase in CMM?

Answer 7

1. Better disease detection
2. Increased sun-seeking behavior w/out adequate UVR protection
3. A decrease in the earth’s protective ozone layer
4. More skin exposure in current dress
5. More opportunity for leisure activity and vacations in sunny areas
6. Increased proliferation and popularity of tanning beds

Question 8

What is the rate of artificial tanning use?

Answer 8

4-24%
8.6-25.4% of individuals 13-19yo
7-15% 14-15yo
35% 17yo

Question 9

What are risk factors for indoor tanning?

Answer 9

1. “Extreme” risk taking
2. Poorer self-esteem
3. Unhealthy lifestyle choices
4. Solitary fitness pursuits e.g. aerobics, gymnastics, weightlifting, condition training
5. Having a parent use indoor tanning

Question 10

What is the increased risk for developing CMM in individuals who begin indoor tanning before age 35?

Answer 10

75%

Question 11

What is the risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma with indoor tanning?

Answer 11

2. 5 times greater for SCC

1. 5 times greater for BCC

Question 12

What other health affects are associated w/ indoor tanning?

Answer 12

1. Addiction (tanning releases B-endorphins)
2. Erythema and suborn
3. Skin dryness
4. Pruritus
5. Nausea
6. Photodrug reactions
7. Disease exacerbation and induction
8. Skin-aging
9. Cataracts

Question 13

What are the recommendations regarding vitamin D and indoor tanning?

Answer 13

It is not a reliable or advisable source of vitamin D

Question 14

What does the CPS recommend?

Answer 14

1. Ban individuals <18yo from using commercial tanning facilities by law
2. Tanning regulations should be enacted
3. Tanning industry should acknowledge their product is carcinogenic and advise the public there is no health benefit
4. Promotions should be banned
5. A tax should be imposed
6. All unsupervised or coin operated machines should be banned
7. All HCP should screen for tanning in children