Banning Tanning for Minors Bill
In the united states one in ten high school students have used an indoor tanning booth at least once in their life. Studies show that those who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 increase their risks of developing Melanoma by 75%.
“Melanoma is one of the deadly forms of skin cancer and that has been associated with exposure to sun, uv rays,” said Dr. Abhinav B. Chandra, Cancer Program Medical Director at Yuma Regional Medical Center.
Arizona law only requires parental permission. But the State House now faces a new bill proposing to change that, Bill 1290, in which plans to ban minors under the age of 18 from using tanning booths.
State Rep. Heather Carter is working alongside with the American Cancer Society Communications Director for Arizona, Brittany Conklin, hoping to push the bill forward.
” It’s a really important bill I think here in Arizona…We just have an obligation while there under the age of 18 to protect them of these choices, ” said Brittany Conklin.
Meanwhile, Joseph Levy with the American Suntanning Association argues that the bill may have unattended consequences.
” The sponsors may be well intentioned but I don’t think they fully realize that simply telling people they cant use a sunbed in a professional salon that there are so many people who use sunbeds in non-salon locations that wouldn’t be deterred by this bill.” A case he says may put people in a situation that’s more apt to induce sunburn.
Brittany Conklin is also a 2 time skin cancer survivor. She shares her story with college students hoping her experience will help save them from hearing the word cancer.
” I knew immediately, you know not only my years of sitting out in the sun and being in Phoenix, growing up here, being in the pool all the time. But that I had also turned to indoor tanning and I just knew that I had caused it,” said Brittany.
In 2005 Yuma was home to 5 salons but those establishments have closed over the years. Today, only 1 tanning salon remains open for business, we reached out to them to see what ways they ensure the safety of their clients but they declined to talk.
If the Bill passes, Joseph with ASA claims it can hurt small business in Arizona.
” About less than 5% of business in a tanning facility is UV tanning by someone under the age of 18, however as almost any small business owner would understand taking away 5% of your top line revenue is a very significant hit.”
On the other hand, studies presented by the ACS say another story.
“There’s also been a concern that it might impact small business but there are plenty of other states who have this law on the books and it hasn’t shown that that’s a problem at all,” say’s Brittany.
Yuma County also offers safer alternatives for those wishing to get that sun kissed look. Pink Cheeks by Sprayed Rayz is a family owned business for nearly 15 years. Jonna Holsinger took over her mother’s business back in 2010 and offers FDA approved products such as Norvelle, which are vegan free, not tested on animals, nut free and paraben free.
“There’s pros and cons to everything, spray tanning is a more natural way to get it…Why risk getting skin cancer when you could come in and get something more natural.”
Bill 1290, also known as the Skin Cancer Preventative Act of 2018, is currently pending approval. It passed the Arizona House of Representatives with bipartisan support but still needs to reach the Senate floor to be heard for a vote.
If you wish to have your voice be heard and advocate for Bill 1290, the Skin Cancer Preventative Act of 2018, below’s a link to reach your State Senator.
https://secure3.convio.net/acscan/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=15371
If passing the Bill is not in your favor you can visit https://americansuntanning.org/ for more information.
