New bill puts indoor tanning restrictions on teens
Photo: SXC.hu / dolar
Texas Governor Rick Perry has signed a bill into law that prohibits use of indoor tanning devices to Texans under the age of 16.5. Teens between the age of 16.5 and 18 are required to have in-person parental consent before tanning.
Although multiple studies explain the link between indoor tanning and melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), it is estimated that 30 million people in the US visit tanning salons each year. Of these 30 million, 2.3 million are teens! Researchers believe that indoor tanning before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75%.
The new bill makes Texas the most restrictive state in regards to indoor tanning. Evan Farmer, dermatologist and vice president of the American Academy of Dermatology Associated, says “we commend Governor Perry, Representative Solomons and the other members of the Texas legislature for their efforts to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer by protecting youth from the dangers of indoor tanning.”
The Texas Attorney General recently sued Darque Tan, one of the two largest indoor tanning chains in Texas, for making claims of increased Vitamin D benefits associated with tanning. [LookingFit] Earlier this year, the Indoor Tanning Associated (ITA) launched a campaign to address the “melanoma hype”, and promotes that indoor tanning increases Vitamin D. What they fail to mention is that Vitamin D can be obtained via seafood and fortified foods (like milk and yogurt), as well as through supplements. The dangers of UV radiation far outweigh the minor amount of Vitamin D that can be obtained.
The new act will take effect September 1, 2009 (with the exception of Section 1, which takes effect January 1, 2010).
For more info:
View the bill
American Cancer Society on minors and indoor tanning
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