State policy efforts to restrict minors' access to tanning facilities

The long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays, from tanning beds or the sun, increases the risk of developing skin cancer. A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicated that there is a clear increase in melanoma risk associated with the use of tanning beds in the teens and twenties. Despite these risks, 8.7 percent of teens aged 14 to 17 use indoor tanning devices. The World Health Organization recommends that access to tanning beds be restricted for those under the age of 18. The establishment of polices regulating tanning facilities has been associated with a decrease in youth access to such facilities.

Using data from the NCI's State Cancer Legislative Database, we identified 18 states with laws addressing minors' access to tanning facilities as of December 31, 2006. Of those states, three prohibit individuals under age 14 from using tanning facilities and one prohibits use by those under 16.

The extensiveness of the restrictions on minors' access to tanning facilities varies greatly. Of the states with restrictions, 16 prohibit use by minors of specified ages without parental consent. Nine states require parental accompaniment, three states require physician authorization, and two states require both as a prerequisite to facility use. Some states require tanning facilities to post warning signs and/or provide warning statements on the dangers of tanning. A number of states also specify penalties. State policy efforts to reduce minors' access to tanning facilities holds the potential for reducing minors' risk of presenting with skin cancer.