Should Teens Be Banned From Indoor Tanning?
We're thrilled to announce that New York is blazing a trail to help fight the dangers of indoor tanning beds. A proposed bill that aims to totally ban indoor tanning for anyone under 18 will come to vote this summer.
By Zoë Ruderman
While many states already require those under the age of 18 to get parental permission in order to indoor tan, we don't think it's enough to put this decision in the hands of parents, who may themselves be under-informed about the dangers of indoor tanning.
Related: One Woman's Horrifying Story: Death By Suntan at Age 26
The fact is, women who were first introduced to the indoor-tanning habit by their mothers are nearly five times as likely to be heavy tanners. They also tend to start tanning earlier than women who first went to a salon with a friend or solo (age 14 vs. age 16). And regardless of why they start this deadly habit, it's a fact that people who tan indoors before the age of 30 increase their risk of skin cancer by a whopping 75 percent.
"The serious harm to teens caused by indoor artificial tanning is 100% preventable," State Senator Harvey Weisenberg, who sponsored the bill, told Cosmo. "And that's why I'm sponsoring and pushing for the advancement of this critically important legislation this session."
Related: Scary Truths Tanning Salons Deny
The bill has the support of numerous health organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation, but is being opposed by-no surprise here-the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA). To refresh your memory, the ITA is the same group that has been perpetuating myths that indoor tanning is safe. Find out more about that here.
We'll keep you updated on this new bill and let you know if any other states decide to follow New York's lead.
Do you think minors should be banned from indoor tanning?
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