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Illinois joins five states in banning youths from indoor tanning
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Illinois recently became the sixth state to ban indoor tanning for minors aged younger than 18 years, based on evidence linking tanning beds to melanoma and other skin cancers.
The state joins Vermont, California, Oregon, Nevada and Texas in passing the ban, which takes effect Jan. 1. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia have enacted some level of prohibiting youths access to indoor tanning.
Dirk M. Elston
“The American Academy of Dermatology Association [AADA] … commends the state of Illinois for joining the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” Dirk M. Elston, MD, FAAD, organization president, said in a press release. “The state’s willingness … exemplifies a true commitment to protecting teens from the dangers of indoor tanning.”
Organizations supporting Illinois’ ban also included AIM at Melanoma, the America Cancer Society — Cancer Action Network, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, the Illinois Dermatological Society, Skin of Steel, the Dermatology Nurses Association, the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation, according to the release.
The FDA earlier this year proposed stricter regulations on indoor tanning beds, as well as a strong recommendation against minors aged younger than 18 years using tanning beds.
“Studies have found a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use,” the AADA reported.