As the sweltering summer continues, many are hoping to get their tan on, including teens. You’d think this would be an easy feat in sunny Arizona, but many lack the patience to tan naturally or find they burn easily in uncontrolled environments. Tanning salons are quite popular, even in Arizona, and they’re becoming more and more accessible. Even gym memberships come with tanning perks these days. Teenagers are often looking for ways to improve their appearance and may not understand the consequences of frequent tanning.
One cancer survivor wants to change that.
AZ Tanning Laws
Currently, Arizona does not ban tanning for minors. Any individual under 18 can tan as long as they have parental permission or consent. This is quite disturbing considering:
- 44.5% of individuals who started tanning before age 16 did so with a family member.
- 49.2% of those who started tanning with a family member did so with their mother.
- 32.7% of indoor tanners started tanning before they were 18.
- 17% of teens have reported using a tanning bed in their lifetime.
- 10.6% of all female high school students have tanned indoors.
- 15.2% of Caucasian female high school students have tanned indoors.
Proposed AZ Bill
House Bill 2084 would ban tanning beds entirely for anyone under 18, proposed in January 2018. Vanessa Ramirez is the one urging lawmakers.
Ramirez, 35, is a cancer-survivor. She visited with lawmakers to share hard-facts about the indoor tanning and skin cancer. The Melanoma Research Foundation finds that individuals who expose themselves to the UV rays in tanning beds before age 35 increase their risk of melanoma by 75%.
Fifteen states already have bans against minors using tanning beds.
Keep Your Child Safe
If your child is interested in tanning, talk to them about options outside of tanning booths. Teach your children about the importance of sunscreen, even when they’re not at the pool. If you notice an abnormal growth on your child skin, request an appointment with Pediatrix.
