Health Department Reminds New Yorkers to Avoid Excessive UV Exposure When
Outdoors or Using Tanning Machines
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and
is on the rise
The number of annual melanoma cases in New York City has doubled since the 1990s
As the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outside, the Health Department reminds New Yorkers that excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) can be deadly. However, there are steps everyone can take to reduce their chances of skin burns, eye injuries and long-term risks of skin cancer while still enjoying the weather. The Health Department recommends using sunscreen with an SPF level of at least 15 before going out in the sun, and reapplying frequently, especially after swimming or an activity that causes you to sweat, and wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes.
“Excessive sun exposure can damage your skin cells and increase your risk of cancer,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett. “Whether you’re out at the beach, exercising outdoors or working outdoors, it’s important to limit your exposure. Just as important is taking precautions if using indoor tanning machines, which subject your skin to high doses of UV radiation.”
“The sun can brighten your day, but it is important to know of the risks that come from unprotected exposure to its UV rays,” said Council Member Corey Johnson, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Health. “New Yorkers should be aware of the effects of overexposure to sunlight and UV rays from using tanning beds. Protecting yourself from these risks is easy. When you’re outside at the beach or enjoying a park, use sunscreen. At a tanning salon, limit your exposure time and make sure the salon follows the rules.”
“A tan is always an indication that damage has occurred in the DNA of our skin cells,” said Tim Turnham, Executive Director of the Melanoma Research Foundation. “There is no such thing as a healthy tan, whether obtained from natural sunlight or indoor tanning beds. We applaud efforts to protect New Yorkers from harmful rays and possibly even future melanoma diagnoses.”
The Board of Health has also adopted a number of new safeguards that businesses operating tanning devices must employ to protect their patrons. Indoor tanning devices emit UV radiation. Higher lifetime exposure to UV increases the risk for skin cancers. New rules, adopted by the Board of Health on Dec. 11, 2013 include:
- Posting of warning signs at each tanning device explaining the risks of indoor tanning
- Requiring patron education and enforcement of age restrictions prohibiting those under age 17 from using tanning devices, and requiring that 17-year-olds have parental consent to tan.
- Following tanning device manufacturers’ recommendations for phasing-in and limiting maximum exposure times.
- Training of staff that operates tanning equipment.
UV radiation is a human carcinogen and can cause skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. The rate of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, has more than doubled since the 1990s in New York City and kills an average of 100 New Yorkers each year. Overexposure to UV radiation can also cause burns and injury to the skin and eyes, premature aging of the skin, allergic reactions, immune system repression, and can worsen pre-existing medical conditions. View the indoor tanning advisory.