Recognized
American Cancer Society honors Ackerman for law that prohibits minors from using indoor tanning beds
Rep. Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) was honored by the Rhode Island branch of the American Cancer Society for her activism.
PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island branch of the American Cancer Society recognized Rep. Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) for her efforts in sponsoring a law that now prohibits the use of indoor tanning beds for anyone under the age of 18.
The citation was presented during the organization’s annual research breakfast at the Roger Williams Park Casino on Nov. 30.
“I’d like to thank the American Cancer Society for recognizing my efforts to ban minors from using tanning beds,” said Representative Ackerman. “We don’t allow kids to use these tanning devices for the same reasons we don’t allow them to smoke – it causes cancer. When something is legal, it makes it very easy for people – particularly children – to ignore the health risks associated with it. In this case, the risks of melanoma are increased by 59 percent, squamous cell carcinoma by 67 percent, and basal cell carcinoma by 29 percent. We simply shouldn’t be risking the lives of our teenagers just so they can look good on prom night.”
Robert Dulski, director of government relations for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Rhode Island praised Representative Ackerman, saying, “Kids and tanning devices don’t mix. One of the most avoidable risk factors for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation through the use of indoor tanning devices. We would like to especially thank Representative Mia Ackerman, Senator Maryellen Goodwin and Senate and House leadership for their outstanding efforts in supporting this important legislation on behalf of the children of Rhode Island.”
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has found that the use of tanning beds before age 30 is associated with a 75-percent increased lifetime risk of melanoma.