New Bill Could Ban Minors From Indoor Tanning

A draft bill has been submitted that would bar minors from using tanning beds in Maine.

Like that picture of me pre-spray tan!? Hey, I was 'forced' to do it!

Anyway, Maine would become the third state in the nation to ban the use of tanning beds by those under 18. The bill is an act to reduce skin cancer in youths in the state. Melanoma is currently the deadliest form of cancer among people ages 15 to 29.

The bill (as written) would ban minors from tanning beds altogether. Maine would join California and Vermont as states with the ban. Other states have similar bills with variations. Some states ban the use of tanning beds for those under 16. Some require parental guardians to accompany the minor.

The bill has strong support from the Maine Medical Association, the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

The bill would not apply to spray tanning or at home tanning devices.