House Joint Resolution 12 Oregon Laws 2009

AN ACT

          Whereas the American Academy of Dermatology is concerned with the growing trends in the development and incidence of skin cancer; and

          Whereas radiation from artificial sources, such as tanning beds, is a known carcinogen; and

          Whereas ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning devices can be up to 15 times greater than the ultraviolet radiation from moderate outdoor sun exposure; and

          Whereas one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetimes and one American dies every 65 minutes from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer; and

          Whereas the incidence of melanoma increased 690 percent from 1950 to 2001; and

          Whereas skin damage from ultraviolet radiation is cumulative, and its adverse effects, skin cancer and premature aging, often take years to become apparent; and

          Whereas much of this damage occurs during the teenage years as evidenced by the fact that skin cancer is occurring in younger populations; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon:

          That we, the members of the Seventy-fifth Legislative Assembly, recommend that everyone use sunscreen when participating in outdoor activities; and be it further

          Resolved, That we urge all parents to be aware of the known health hazards of intentional cosmetic tanning of the skin and recommend that parents encourage their teenagers to restrict the use of tanning devices to halt the staggering increase in the incidence of melanoma in young people.

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 18, 2009

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