RESTRICTIONS ON MINORS’ USE OF WESTCHESTER’S TANNING SALONS IN EFFECT JUNE 12
---Tanning Salons Off Limits To Minors 16 And Under; Parents Now Required To Give Written Permission For 16 And 17 Year Olds---
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2006
Contact: Marty Rogowsky, Tel: 914.9952834, Rogowsky@westchesterlegislators.com
County Legislator Martin Rogowsky (D,WF,I-Harrison) would like to remind all Westchester residents that legislation placing new restrictions on minors’ access to tanning salons goes into effect on June 12.
Rogowsky said he initiated the legislation last term when he served as Chair of the Legislation Committee after being presented with overwhelming evidence that exposure to the ultraviolet radiation emitted by indoor tanning bulbs dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer.
“Studies show that exposure to ultraviolet light from tanning salons has caused a sharp increase in skin cancer,” Rogowsky stated. “While all people should avoid tanning salons because of the damage inflicted by ultraviolet rays, young people are especially vulnerable. They are more susceptible to irreversible skin damage and are less likely to pay attention to the long-term health hazards of ultraviolet radiation. Like what’s done with cigarettes, this law is intended to put a road block up so that young people cannot frequently drop in at tanning salons.”
Under the new law, tanning beds will be off limits to children, 16 and under; and, a parent or guardian of a 16 or 17 year old must provide written permission in person at the salon. Tanning facilities will also have to post warning signs and provide educational information to all prospective users.
“The research and testimony by health experts presented overwhelming evidence to support imposing the restrictions,” Rogowsky said. “The cost of indoor tanning is too high to treat as casually as it’s been treated. It’s not just a personal care treat, like a manicure or a facial. This activity is dangerous---indoor tanning accounts for the fact that melanoma is the most common form of cancer in people aged 25-29.”
