Bill to Protect New York State Kids from Deadly Skin Cancer Passes Out of Assembly Codes Committee

ALBANY, NY – June 14, 2017 – The New York State Assembly Codes Committee voted today

in support of a bill (A7218) to prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by minors under the age of 18.

“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) thanks the members of the

Assembly Codes Committee for their support of this bill which will help protect New York State’s children from the deadly effects of skin cancer,” said Julie Hart, New York State government relations director for ACS CAN. “We also want to thank bill sponsor, Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee for authoring the measure and the members of

the Codes Committee for their thoughtful deliberations.”

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with millions of cases being diagnosed annually. In New York State this year alone, it is estimated that almost 5,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from indoor tanning devices has been directly linked to increased risk of melanoma and has been categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “carcinogenic to humans.” In fact, indoor tanning use before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 59 percent.

“As the bill moves to the Rules Committee, we urge the Assembly to give its approval to this legislation, as it goes a long way to reduce suffering and death from cancer in our state,” said Hart.

The New York State Senate sponsor of the bill (S5585)  is Senator Phil Boyle