A new bill in the California Senate would ban tanning bed use for all minors. Currently, children under 14 are prohibited from using the salons. All other minors need parental consent. The bill’s author, Senator Ted Lieu, says the ban would help prevent skin cancer.
“We don’t let parents consent to have their children go buy a pack of cigarettes,” said Lieu.
Studies show that ultraviolet radiation is linked to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
“The tanning beds are actually very dangerous, and they are very much associated with the development of skin cancer,” said Dr. Sima Torabian, a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente.
The bill hits committee on Monday. If passed, the law could make California the first state to ban tanning beds for all minors.
