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