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Current Editors: Jane Onyemachi and Madelyn Schmidt

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Laws Prohibiting Indoor Tanning for Minors


New York is the latest state to pass legislation prohibiting the use of indoor tanning beds by those 16 and younger, and requiring 17-year-olds to obtain parental consent. California and Vermont have already passed laws prohibiting use by minors.   

The United States Department of Health and Human Services proclaimed in 2002 that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, is a known carcinogen. Yet, nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the United States annually. Of these, 2.3 million are teens.

Currently, Texas law requires a parent or legal guardian to sign consent form, in person, for children under 18. Prohibits the use of tanning facilities by anyone under the age of 16.5.  Minors are allowed to use the facilities if authorized by a physician.  Physician must specify the number of tanning session allowed; if they do not, minors will be allowed to use facilities for a 12-month period.  Parents/legal guardians must provide written consent (in presence of tanning device operator) and remain at the facility while the minor uses the tanning device.  The tanning facility is responsible for keeping all records pertaining to a minor's use of the facility.

For more information of the Texas law regarding tanning visit:
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/HS/htm/HS.145.htm

Source: American Academy of Dermatology