Sandoval Signs Bill Protecting Minors from Tanning Beds
Nevada becomes fourth state to enact an under-18 tanning ban
Online, June 5, 2013 (Newswire.com) - AIM at Melanoma applauds Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval's signing today of Senate Bill 267, which prohibits minors under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices.
Nearly 28 million Americans use tanning beds every year. People who begin tanning before age 35 have a 75 percent higher risk of developing melanoma, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Melanoma is the No. 1 cancer killer of women between the ages of 25-30, and second only to breast cancer in women 30-34. Approximately 440 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in Nevada in 2013.
As the largest international foundation dedicated to melanoma research and patient advocacy, AIM co-lead the effort to pass the bill along with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
"We thank Gov. Sandoval for passing SB 267, which is a major victory in the fight against melanoma," said AIM Co-Founder Valerie Guild, whose daughter died of melanoma at the age of 26. "This bill will protect our youth from exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation, reduce their risk of developing skin cancers and ultimately save lives."
Currently, Nevada is one of only 14 states that have no indoor tanning restrictions. The new restrictions in SB 267, which was introduced by Sen. Joyce Woodhouse, D-Henderson, take effect July 1. Nevada tanning facilities violating the under-18 ban will face penalties up to $500 per offense.
Spearheaded by AIM, California became the first state to enact indoor tanning bans for minors in 2011. Vermont passed similar legislation in 2012, and Oregon enacted an under-18 tanning ban last month. Similar bills have been passed in Illinois and Texas and await actions by their respective governors.
About AIM at Melanoma
AIM at Melanoma, founded in memory of Charlie Guild, who died of melanoma at the age of 26 and Jim Schlipmann, who died from the disease at 44, is the largest international melanoma foundation focused on melanoma research, education, awareness and legislation. The foundation supports melanoma research efforts by hosting international research forums and is helping to create the first melanoma tissue bank, widely believed by the oncology community to be a key to major breakthroughs in melanoma research. To learn more about AIM, visit www.AIMatMelanoma.org.