State policy efforts to restrict minors' access to tanning facilities

The long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays from tanning beds 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 by individuals in their teens and twenties. The World Health Organization recommends that access to tanning beds be restricted for those under the age of 18. Using data from the NCI's State Cancer Legislative Database (SCLD), we identified 22 states with laws addressing minors' access to tanning facilities as of December 31, 2008. 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, 20 prohibit use by minors of specified ages without parental consent that is provided through a signed statement. Ten states require parental accompaniment whenever minors of specified ages use a tanning facility, four states require physician authorization, and three states require both as a prerequisite to facility use. A number of states also specify penalties for non-compliance. We also indentified nine states that have laws addressing licensure for tanning facility operators, six of which have laws addressing the inspection of tanning facilities. Annual inspections are generally a prerequisite for other enforcement activities such as levying penalties for minors' access violations.