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*                        INFORMATION ALERT                          *  
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*  Produced by:  Saskatchewan Human Resources,                      *  
*                Labour and Employment                              *  
*  Provided by:  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety *  
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U.V. SUN TANNING AND PHOTOSENSITIZING DRUGS  
  
  A recent report from the United States Food and Drug Administration  
  indicates that an Indiana woman has died after a normal visit to a sun  
  tan salon.  
  
  Preliminary information suggest that her death was caused by enhanced  
  sensitivity to ultra-violet light resulting from use of the  
  prescription drug 'Oxsoralen ultra methosolen.  It is believed that  
  there were no abnormalities in the tanning booth which could have  
  contributed to her death.  
  
  Many other drugs are also known to lead to a significantly increased  
  sensitivity to UV light.  It is therefore important that all operators  
  of sun tanning salons alert potential customers to the possible hazard  
  in undergoing sun tanning procedures without first consulting their  
  doctors if they are taking any type of medication.  
  
  It is suggested that this notice be prominently displayed in all sun  
  tanning salons.  Is should be drawn to the attention of all potential  
  customers before they undergo treatment.  
  
  For more information, contact:  
  
         Dr. L. Denis Brown  
         Chief Radiation Health Physicist  
         Occupational Health and Safety Branch  
         1870 Albert Street, Regina  
         S4P 3V7  
  
         Phone: 787-4486  
  
  
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