State Rep. Hank Vaupel, R-Fowlerville, recently introduced a measure protecting minors from the dangers of artificial tanning.
Under Vaupel’s proposal, owners of tanning facilities would not be allowed to offer their services to people younger than 18, regardless of a legal guardian’s consent.
“No matter how you get a tan – whether it be the beach or in a tanning bed – it can be troublesome for your skin,” said Vaupel, who chairs the House Health Policy Committee. “Continual UV radiation exposure is proven to lead to premature skin aging and various forms of cancer.”
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
“Tanning can be a short-term decision with long-term consequences,” Vaupel said. “We need to protect the health of our young people.”
House Bill 6450 now moves to the House Regulatory Reform Committee for consideration.
