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California bans use of sunbeds for under 18-year-olds
Restrictions on the use of sunbeds for youngsters are becoming wider
California has become the first US state to ban the use of sunbeds for anyone under the age of 18.
The bill was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Sunday and will come into effect on 1 January.
State senator Ted Lieu, who sponsored the bill, said youngsters needed to be protected from the "lethally dangerous" radiation used in sunbeds.
Many states regulate the use of sunbeds, but California is the first to ban their use for most teenagers.
The US Indoor Tanning Association told the Associated Press that under 18s made up between 5% to 10% of its customers and the new law would hurt businesses.
'Rising epidemic'Governor Brown's office said the bill was part of a cluster of legislation he had signed designed to "improve the health and well-being of Californians".
“Start Quote
End Quote Ted Lieu California state senatorIf everyone knew the true dangers of tanning beds, they'd be shocked”
Under current law in California, children under the age of 14 are already banned from using sunbeds but those aged between 15 and 17 can use them with permission from their parents.
Texas has banned the use of sunbeds for youngsters under the age of 16, and other states are considering a ban for under 18s, Senator Lieu was quoted by AP as saying.
He said a higher age limit was needed because of evidence showing the cancer-causing effects from the "ultraviolent-emitting radiation" from sunbeds - particularly for those using them from a young age.
"If everyone knew the true dangers of tanning beds, they'd be shocked," he said. "Skin cancer is a rising epidemic and the leading cause of cancer death for women between 25 and 29."
In 2009, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that sunbeds are "carcinogenic to humans" and moved them into its highest cancer risk category.
It made its decision following a review of research which concluded that the risk of melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer - was increased by 75% in people who started using sunbeds regularly before the age of 30.
England and Wales introduced a ban on the use of sunbeds for under 18s in April 2011, following a similar ban in Scotland. Brazil has banned the use of sunbeds completely.
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Comment number 92.
Icebloo10th October 2011 - 16:35
I am really liking Jerry Brown ! I'm sick of politicians who talk endlessly but don't deliver anything. Jerry Brown is getting good things done ! He's a brave man who is standing up against the special interest groups. I am so glad Calif finally has a great Governor after the last useless one !
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Comment number 85.
Judy10th October 2011 - 15:27
They should be banned everywhere.I cannot believe governments authorize their use. My 18 year old daughter uses them at times, and I am constantly trying to warn her of the dangers, but she sneaks off and does it. It is a great worry for me. One day they will be banned. I can't wait for that day. I live in Canada and I have contacted the government several times about their usage but to no avail
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Comment number 72.
Ralphie10th October 2011 - 13:41
I'd put images of skin cancer caused by sunbeds on the inside of sunbeds.
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Comment number 57.
laughingman10th October 2011 - 12:38
Isn't it obvious that the reason for the restriction to under 18s is that they are more vulnerable to peer pressure?
Scientifically, there is no such thing as a 'Healthy Tan' but if adults want to risk skin cancer for the sake of fashion, at least they are old enough to make that choice responsibly.
Children are more likely to abuse tanning beds trying to be more popular, pretty obvious really.
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Comment number 30.
ruth10th October 2011 - 10:55
Good for you, BourneHammer, post 13, thank goodness someone realises this important fact. I'm in my 60s now but have suffered with skin cancer [not the deadly melanoma thank goodness] all my adult life, BCCs, rodent ulcers - I've had these wretched things frozen, cut out, grafted, creamed, lasered etc etc. all caused by CHILDHOOD sunburn, and we holidayed no further afield than the Scillies.
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