Minnesota Considers Banning Tanning For Those Under 18
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DULUTH- If you are looking to soak up some artificial rays in a tanning bed and you're under 18, your tanning bed days could be numbered.
The House Health and Human Services Policy Committee approved a bill Wednesday, which raises the minimum age to tan, to 18 years old.
It also will eliminate parents' ability to give approval for children under the age of 16 to tan.
Local doctors say they support the measure.
Dr. Kim Lakhan of Essentia Health said, "tanning is really, really bad for the skin. The younger you are when you start, the more damage you're doing to the skin at a genetic level. And tanning increases your risk greatly of skin cancers. We're seeing a huge increase in melanomas among young people."
The doctor says she supports adults making their own decisions but says she supports banning children from being allowed to use tanning beds.
A companion bill is awaiting action by the senate commerce committee.