New York State bans indoor tanning for children under 18

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation today banning children under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning salons. 

Currently, 17-year-olds are allowed to use indoor tanning facilities without parental permission. Under the new law, they will be banned completely. 

The American Cancer Society has long been a strong proponent of raising the indoor tanning age to 18 because of the harmful effects of UV rays, which can lead to premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, solar keratosis, permanent eye damage, and skin and ocular cancers.

The ACS estimates one in nine teenage girls has used an indoor tanning device despite the dangers. That number increases to one in six by the time girls reach their senior year of high school. 

Eleven other states prohibit tanning among minors with no exceptions.

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