John Santos
News Editor
Every year in the United States, nearly 28 million people tan in indoor tanning salons annually. Out of that 28 million, 2.3 million of these patrons are teenagers. Seventy percent of people using indoor tanning salons are Caucasian women ages 16 to 29 years.
The indoor tanning days of North Carolina teens could soon be over.
Legislators are considering a bill that will ban anyone under 18 from using a
tanning bed. In comparison, the current North Carolina law is less restrictive.
Children under 13 are prohibited from using a tanning bed without a doctor’s
permission, and teens ages 14 to 17 simply need a parent’s permission.
The facts paint an unfavorable picture for the indoor tanning industry.
There is a 75% increased risk of melanoma for those who have been exposed to UV
radiation from tanning beds, and that risk increases with each use. Studies
show that there is an 87% increased risk of melanoma for those who start using
tanning beds before the age of 35.
But for some these facts are not enough. Rep. Marilyn Avila, R-Wake,
argued that the tanning industry should be given equal time to present its
facts before lawmakers vote.
The bill will be debated and is expected to get a vote in the House
Health Committee on Tuesday, February 26.
