COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bipartisan bill requiring parents to give their permission before their children stretch out on a tanning bed in Ohio is on its way to the Senate.
Under the bill, sponsored by Reps. Michael Stinziano (D-Columbus) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), children under 16 would be required to have parental consent to access tanning facilities.
The measure, which also requires a parent to be present for the duration of all tanning sessions, was approved Wednesday by the state House.
“Cigarettes cause cancer. Tanning beds cause cancer. Why do we protect our children from the dangers of tobacco smoke but not from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning?” Stinziano said.
The bill would also require tanning facilities to develop a consent form to be signed by all tanners that detail the risks of indoor tanning.
The bill has the support of the Ohio State Medical Association which says indoor tanning causes melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
According to a statement from Stinziano’s office, the American Journal of Public Health reports that tanning bed usage prior to the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75 percent.
Eleven states have already enacted legislation addressing the issue of minors and tanning beds, Stinziano said.
The bill will be assigned to a Senate committee for further consideration.