New law bans minors from tanning at salons

New York State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Republican from Merrick, announced on Tuesday that legislation he sponsored to help protect teens from the dangers of skin cancer has been signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The new law strengthens the state’s existing indoor tanning law by prohibiting minors ages 16 and under from using indoor ultraviolet tanning booths.

“Research has shown that indoor UV tanning can be potentially dangerous. It greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer and exposes skin to UV radiation that is far more intense than what the sun produces,” Fuschillo said. “This new law will help protect children from something that can cause them serious health problems later in life. I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing it.”

Medical experts have repeatedly warned about the potential dangers associated with indoor tanning. Indoor tanning before age 30 increases a person’s chances of getting cancer by 75 percent, according to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.

UV emitting indoor tanning devices are classified by the IARC in the highest level of cancer risk (Group 1), “carcinogenic to humans,” placing them in the same category as asbestos, benzene and cigarette smoke

Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics noted that the intensity of ultraviolet-A radiation produced by large, powerful

tanning units is 10 to 15 times higher than that of the midday sun.

Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 4,700 New Yorkers will be diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, this year. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25 to 29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15 to 29 years old.

The new law is widely supported by a number of health and advocacy organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Dermatology Association, Medical Society of the State of New York, National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, New York State Academy of Family Physicians and the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign.

“The new law prohibiting children under 17 from using indoor tanning will protect a significant portion of the teen population. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 10 percent of 14 year olds, 12 percent of 15 year olds and 15 percent of 16 year olds have used indoor tanning facilities,” said Blair Horner, vice president for advocacy with the American Cancer Society of New York and New Jersey.

The law will take effect on Aug. 15.