(dailyRx News) California will be the first state in the nation to put a ban on minors using tanning beds. Skin cancer is a serious threat for many individulas in the short and long term.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in America. In the year 2010, there were more than 63,000 cases of the most severe type of skin cancer known as melanoma. And according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, teens who use tanning beds increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.
"Tanning beds cause skin cancer."
Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill banning youngsters under 18 years of age from using indoor tanning beds, by Senator Ted W. Lieu, on October 9 in hopes to improve the health and well being of Californians.
Senator Lieu praises Governor Brown for taking such a huge step in protecting Californian children from what experts and health professionals have proven to be lethally dangerous – ultraviolet-emitting radiation from tanning beds. People would be shocked if they knew the true dangers of tanning, Lieu says.
Using tanning beds is even more dangerous when you’re younger because the more exposure you get, the worse the effects will be, Lieu adds.
California Society for Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery (Cal Derm) and AIM at Melanoma Foundation, two co-sponsors of the bills, have also praised Governor Brown for taking the time to understand the importance of such legislation and the potential benefits it will bring.
The law is set to be in effect on January 1, 2012 – the first day of a new year.
Other states have laws restricting indoor tanning bed use, but none to this extent.