State Rep. Wants to Keep Teens Out of Tanning Beds
By: Kristen Kennedy
Updated: March 4, 2009
Salon managers are speaking out after hearing about a bill that could keep teens out of tanning beds. The proposed bill, if passed, would require teens younger than 18 to have a physician's written consent before stepping into a tanning bed. Right now, you need doctor's approval only if you're 13 or younger, and a parent's signature if you're under 18. Salon owners we spoke with believe there's a lot of misconceptions when it comes to tanning. "Here you're in a controlled environment, and studies have shown that tanning in a controlled enviornment is a good thing as opposed to being outside in the sun," says Sindy Greene with Endless Sun.
Tanning specialists are afraid if this bill passes, teens would resort to unsafe practices and avoid all UV protection during outdoor tanning.
