18 states plan to ban indoor tanning for teenagers

18 states plan to ban indoor tanning for teenagers (Alberta Times) Because indoor tanning equipment may increase the chance of skin cancer, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures...

(Alberta Times)

Because indoor tanning equipment may increase the chance of skin cancer, according to the agenda of the National Conference of State Legislatures, 18 states have considered taking measures to prohibit teenagers under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning equipment; another five states plan to strengthen supervision and require parental consent. The American Academy of Dermatology revealed that approximately 30 million people use indoor tanning equipment each year, of which 2.3 million are teenagers. Using such devices does increase the risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form of melanoma, with the effects being more severe in people who start using them at a young age. Arizona, like most states, requires teenagers under the age of 18 to obtain parental consent before using tanning beds. It also stipulates that operators must limit exposure time, based on manufacturer's recommendations, and provide users with eye protection. The minimum age for use in ten states ranges from 13 to 16 and a half years old. Only California has completely banned the use of indoor tanning equipment by minors, which took effect on January 1 this year. Ron Moy said: "This is a year of vigorous promotion of bans." Maryland State Senator Raskin said that the successful legislation in California has prompted states to promote similar bans. Opponents of the ban say the proposals allow too much government intervention and will cost thousands of jobs in the industry. Quinn, the owner of Tanpro, an Ohio tanning room chain, said the state's small tanning business began to shrink after the 2010 federal health care law imposed a 10 percent tax on tanning services. Opponents also say the health benefits of UV radiation outweigh the risks, as it causes the body to produce natural vitamin D. They say teenagers are more likely to get sunburned on the beach than on a sunbed. Idaho State House Minority Leader and pediatrician Rusicha has proposed banning the use of tanning equipment by teenagers under the age of 18.