Hazard light: Some states adopt guidelines for teen tanning - TanToday - Helping Salon Owners, One At A Time, Since 2000!

Ezliving_Jim · 2nd May 2007, 01:35 PM

Hazard light
Some states adopt guidelines for teen tanning

By Tom Smith

Senior Staff Writer

Last Updated:May 01. 2007 11:41PM
Published: May 02. 2007 3:30AM

Teenagers using tanning beds has become an issue that has attracted national attention in recent years as more and more is known about the possible health risks involved in tanning.

Keslie Boyles is 19. She has been using a tanning bed since she was 11 or 12 years old.

"I average going once a week, maybe 15-20 minutes at a time,'' the Russellville teen said. "It's something I have always wanted to do and I've just kept it up.

"We even have one at our house now.''

Teens paying to use a tanning bed has become an issue that has attracted national attention in recent years as more and more is known about the possible health risks involved in tanning.

Twenty-seven states have passed laws outlining specific guidelines for businesses that allow teens to tan. Alabama is among the 23 others that have not addressed the issue. Some argue that a law is not necessary because many tanning solons, particularly in the Shoals, already monitor the situation. Others say a law should be on the books to protect teens.

Reasons for tanning varies among teens.

Boyles said getting into the tanning bed is relaxation for her.

"I get in the beds for a little hint of color to make my skin look better; but at the same time, it's just so relaxing,'' she said. "It's the same reason people lay on the beach or lie out in the sun by a pool.''

Boyles said she received permission from her parents to go to the tanning salons before they purchased a tanning bed.

Valerie Wender is a senior at Muscle Shoals High School. Although she goes to tanning salons, she's not keen on the idea.

"I just go to get ready for the prom each year, and this year for senior pictures,'' she said. "And with graduation only a few weeks off, I'll get tanned. But it's not something I will continue to do.''

Wender said she was asked to provide proof of her parents' consent before she was allowed to tan at one business. She didn't need that documentation at another.

More and more states are discussing legislation requiring parental consent from teens who are 17 or younger and want to tan in a tanning bed.

The worry, dermatologists say, is because of the possibility of skin cancer.

Officials with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center say most skin damage from sunlight -- natural and manmade -- occurs before the age of 18.

Academy of Dermatology officials say more than 25 percent of teenage girls have used tanning salons three or more times in their lives.

Many local tanning salon owners say they regulate their clients.

"We make sure anyone who is under the age of 18 has permission from their parents or guardians to tan,'' said Eddie Sandlin, owner of Mega Tan salons in Florence and Muscle Shoals.

He said a form must be signed by the parent or guardian before a minor can tan.

Donna Llewellyn and her daughter are former owners of a tanning business in Colbert County.

"It was not required, but we would not let anyone under 18 tan without parents giving us their permission,'' Llewellyn said. "In fact, there were times when we would have a teenager come in, and we'd make them call their parents and let us talk with them before they could tan.''

Sandlin said his employees have turned potential clients away because of their age.

"We've had them 10 or 12 years old come in, and we've said no. We're just not going to do that without parents' approval,'' Sandlin said.

At Sun Tan Alley in Killen, manager Lisa Bevis said parental consent is needed for minors to tan. She added that everyone who tans there must sign a consent form.

"Alabama is not a regulated state,'' Bevis said. "We have always felt we need to be regulated.''

John Overstreet, executive director of the Indoor Tanning Association in Washington, D.C., said the regulations vary from state to state.

"Some states have restrictions on individuals under 18, some have even banned individuals under 14 from tanning,'' Overstreet said. "The federal government regulates the (tanning beds) and requires the use of warning labels and eyewear. Some states have taken it beyond that, requiring the parental consent.''

He said the industry standard "strongly'' encourages parental consent for anyone younger than 18.

"I would say the majority of our businesses are already requiring the adult permission without the restrictions being in place,'' Overstreet said. "It's a good business practice, but it's just the right thing to do.''

In a recent published report, officials with the Anderson Center indicated that blistering sunburns and overexposure during childhood years greatly increase the chances of developing skin cancer later in life.

The Academy of Dermatology states that the risks of indoor tanning include premature aging, such as age spots and wrinkles, and skin cancer.

Patsy Spurgeon, of Muscle Shoals, has two daughters who use a tanning bed occasionally. Her youngest daughter, a senior, plans to tan before her prom.

"I don't want them using a tanning bed to excess because I'm sure there's a lot we still don't know about them,'' she said. "I'll use a tanning bed a few times in the spring myself, just to get a tan started.

"It's just not something that concerns me, I guess because we don't go all the time or year round.''

ADA members suggest that no minor be allowed to use tanning beds.

To educate teens about the danger of tanning, dermatologists are preparing a public service campaign.

"Some teens aren't aware of the risk associated with indoor tanning, instead they believe it is safer than tanning outdoors. Others know the risk but are still engaging in this behavior,'' said Dr. Arielle Kauvar, dermatologist and chairman of the ADA's council on communications. "The objective of this campaign is to specifically target teenage girls at a young age before they start tanning. We want to educate and encourage them to avoid this unnecessary health risk.''

Many dermatologists say it's hard to understand why tanners continue the practice even though they know the risks involved.

"We've found out that while teens know that overexposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging, they are reluctant to change their behavior because they feel more attractive with a tan,'' said Dr. James Spencer, vice chairman of the department of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

Spencer said in the upcoming public service campaign, information obtained through studies will be used to hopefully educate teens.

Bevis said employees at Sun Tan Alley try to educate customers on tanning.

"Tanning is a serious business, but it is also fun and joyful,'' she said. "We want our customers to know everything about tanning and the process.''

Wender said she has heard a lot of negatives about tanning.

"That's why I'll only (tan) on special occasions,'' she said.

Boyles said she has never had a problem and isn't worried about using the tanning bed.

"I get in at least once a week,'' she said. "I always use a lotion as soon as I complete a session to keep from drying my skin, and I've never had a problem.

"I've never worried about getting in a tanning bed or the ultraviolet rays. To be honest, I've never really thought about it.''

Lisa Singleton-Rickman contributed to this report.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.

BRONZE FACTS

On an average, more than 1 million Americans tan in salons a year.
70 percent of tanning salon customers are Caucasian girls and women ages 16 to 49.
It is estimated that in 2007 there will be 111,900 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the United States.
Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women 20-29 in the United States.
Indoor tanning minimizes the risk of sunburn.
There are three kinds of ultraviolet light -- UVA, UVB and UVC. Two of these -- UVA and UVB -- are used in indoor tanning equipment.
UVA is a deeper penetrating radiation that causes more damage, while UVB has long been associated with burn. Both types can damage the skin by tanning and burning the skin.
The tanning process is the skin's natural way of protecting itself from sunburn and overexposure.

Source

Ezliving_Jim · 2nd May 2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

At Sun Tan Alley in Killen, manager Lisa Bevis said parental consent is needed for minors to tan. She added that everyone who tans there must sign a consent form.

"Alabama is not a regulated state,'' Bevis said. "We have always felt we need to be regulated.''

This makes me see Red.

Salon owners seeking government regulation are nuts.

If an employee of mine made a statement like that to the media, she would be fired.

I've spent many weeks over the last 4 years lobbying against state regulation in Maryland.

2nd May 2007, 01:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ezliving_Jim Arbiter Elegantiarum Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Virtual Reality Posts: 4,146	Hazard light: Some states adopt guidelines for teen tanning Hazard light Some states adopt guidelines for teen tanning By Tom Smith Senior Staff Writer Last Updated:May 01. 2007 11:41PM Published: May 02. 2007 3:30AM Teenagers using tanning beds has become an issue that has attracted national attention in recent years as more and more is known about the possible health risks involved in tanning. Keslie Boyles is 19. She has been using a tanning bed since she was 11 or 12 years old. "I average going once a week, maybe 15-20 minutes at a time,'' the Russellville teen said. "It's something I have always wanted to do and I've just kept it up. "We even have one at our house now.'' Teens paying to use a tanning bed has become an issue that has attracted national attention in recent years as more and more is known about the possible health risks involved in tanning. Twenty-seven states have passed laws outlining specific guidelines for businesses that allow teens to tan. Alabama is among the 23 others that have not addressed the issue. Some argue that a law is not necessary because many tanning solons, particularly in the Shoals, already monitor the situation. Others say a law should be on the books to protect teens. Reasons for tanning varies among teens. Boyles said getting into the tanning bed is relaxation for her. "I get in the beds for a little hint of color to make my skin look better; but at the same time, it's just so relaxing,'' she said. "It's the same reason people lay on the beach or lie out in the sun by a pool.'' Boyles said she received permission from her parents to go to the tanning salons before they purchased a tanning bed. Valerie Wender is a senior at Muscle Shoals High School. Although she goes to tanning salons, she's not keen on the idea. "I just go to get ready for the prom each year, and this year for senior pictures,'' she said. "And with graduation only a few weeks off, I'll get tanned. But it's not something I will continue to do.'' Wender said she was asked to provide proof of her parents' consent before she was allowed to tan at one business. She didn't need that documentation at another. More and more states are discussing legislation requiring parental consent from teens who are 17 or younger and want to tan in a tanning bed. The worry, dermatologists say, is because of the possibility of skin cancer. Officials with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center say most skin damage from sunlight -- natural and manmade -- occurs before the age of 18. Academy of Dermatology officials say more than 25 percent of teenage girls have used tanning salons three or more times in their lives. Many local tanning salon owners say they regulate their clients. "We make sure anyone who is under the age of 18 has permission from their parents or guardians to tan,'' said Eddie Sandlin, owner of Mega Tan salons in Florence and Muscle Shoals. He said a form must be signed by the parent or guardian before a minor can tan. Donna Llewellyn and her daughter are former owners of a tanning business in Colbert County. "It was not required, but we would not let anyone under 18 tan without parents giving us their permission,'' Llewellyn said. "In fact, there were times when we would have a teenager come in, and we'd make them call their parents and let us talk with them before they could tan.'' Sandlin said his employees have turned potential clients away because of their age. "We've had them 10 or 12 years old come in, and we've said no. We're just not going to do that without parents' approval,'' Sandlin said. At Sun Tan Alley in Killen, manager Lisa Bevis said parental consent is needed for minors to tan. She added that everyone who tans there must sign a consent form. "Alabama is not a regulated state,'' Bevis said. "We have always felt we need to be regulated.'' John Overstreet, executive director of the Indoor Tanning Association in Washington, D.C., said the regulations vary from state to state. "Some states have restrictions on individuals under 18, some have even banned individuals under 14 from tanning,'' Overstreet said. "The federal government regulates the (tanning beds) and requires the use of warning labels and eyewear. Some states have taken it beyond that, requiring the parental consent.'' He said the industry standard "strongly'' encourages parental consent for anyone younger than 18. "I would say the majority of our businesses are already requiring the adult permission without the restrictions being in place,'' Overstreet said. "It's a good business practice, but it's just the right thing to do.'' In a recent published report, officials with the Anderson Center indicated that blistering sunburns and overexposure during childhood years greatly increase the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. The Academy of Dermatology states that the risks of indoor tanning include premature aging, such as age spots and wrinkles, and skin cancer. Patsy Spurgeon, of Muscle Shoals, has two daughters who use a tanning bed occasionally. Her youngest daughter, a senior, plans to tan before her prom. "I don't want them using a tanning bed to excess because I'm sure there's a lot we still don't know about them,'' she said. "I'll use a tanning bed a few times in the spring myself, just to get a tan started. "It's just not something that concerns me, I guess because we don't go all the time or year round.'' ADA members suggest that no minor be allowed to use tanning beds. To educate teens about the danger of tanning, dermatologists are preparing a public service campaign. "Some teens aren't aware of the risk associated with indoor tanning, instead they believe it is safer than tanning outdoors. Others know the risk but are still engaging in this behavior,'' said Dr. Arielle Kauvar, dermatologist and chairman of the ADA's council on communications. "The objective of this campaign is to specifically target teenage girls at a young age before they start tanning. We want to educate and encourage them to avoid this unnecessary health risk.'' Many dermatologists say it's hard to understand why tanners continue the practice even though they know the risks involved. "We've found out that while teens know that overexposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging, they are reluctant to change their behavior because they feel more attractive with a tan,'' said Dr. James Spencer, vice chairman of the department of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Spencer said in the upcoming public service campaign, information obtained through studies will be used to hopefully educate teens. Bevis said employees at Sun Tan Alley try to educate customers on tanning. "Tanning is a serious business, but it is also fun and joyful,'' she said. "We want our customers to know everything about tanning and the process.'' Wender said she has heard a lot of negatives about tanning. "That's why I'll only (tan) on special occasions,'' she said. Boyles said she has never had a problem and isn't worried about using the tanning bed. "I get in at least once a week,'' she said. "I always use a lotion as soon as I complete a session to keep from drying my skin, and I've never had a problem. "I've never worried about getting in a tanning bed or the ultraviolet rays. To be honest, I've never really thought about it.'' Lisa Singleton-Rickman contributed to this report. Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com. BRONZE FACTS On an average, more than 1 million Americans tan in salons a year. 70 percent of tanning salon customers are Caucasian girls and women ages 16 to 49. It is estimated that in 2007 there will be 111,900 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the United States. Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women 20-29 in the United States. Indoor tanning minimizes the risk of sunburn. There are three kinds of ultraviolet light -- UVA, UVB and UVC. Two of these -- UVA and UVB -- are used in indoor tanning equipment. UVA is a deeper penetrating radiation that causes more damage, while UVB has long been associated with burn. Both types can damage the skin by tanning and burning the skin. The tanning process is the skin's natural way of protecting itself from sunburn and overexposure. Source __________________ ObamaNation. Sing with the children. Drink the Kool-Aid. si vis pacem, para bellum "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing." -Frank Zappa. "I inhaled frequently. That was the point." - Barack Obama. "Even if we win, we will have just eked out a victory, and we can't govern." - Barack Obama. www.GunBanObama.com *sui generis*

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