Today, Illinois has joined Vermont, California, Oregon, Nevada and Texas by passing legislation that prohibits minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning. Following similar ordinances put in place in Springfield and Chicago, this law is based on significant scientific evidence that links indoor tanning to increased risk of developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Legislation prohibiting the use of indoor tanning beds by minors under 18 was introduced by Reps. Robin Gable and Raymond Poe earlier this year and passed both the Illinois Senate and House on May 20. Gov. Patrick Quinn signed the bill into law today and it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014. The Illinois House and Senate passed the legislation shortly after the FDA stricter regulations on indoor tanning beds, as well as a strong recommendation against the use of tanning beds by minors under the age of 18.
“The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) is proud to have supported this legislation and commends the state of Illinois for joining the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” said board-certified dermatologist Dirk M. Elston, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association. “The state’s willingness to follow the examples set by the cities of Springfield and Chicago, exemplifies a true commitment to protecting teens from the dangers of indoor tanning.”
According to AADA, there is still more work to be done to protect the public from the dangers of indoor tanning and it will continue to work with state legislative and regulatory bodies, as well as the FDA, to prohibit the use and sale of indoor tanning devices for minors under the age of 18.
