Las Vegas Plastic Surgery
California Outlaws Tanning Beds to Minors
California Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a bill into law that will no longer allow minors to use tanning beds. Currently California law allows minors who are at least 14 years old to use a ultraviolet tanning device only if they have written permission from their parents.
But Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) said his bill was needed to protect those under 18 from the risk of adverse health effects, the primary one being skin cancer, that are possible from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. He states, “If everyone knew the true dangers of tanning beds, they’d be shocked.” He continues, “Skin cancer is a rising epidemic and the leading cause of cancer death for women between 25 and 29.”
Multiple medical groups have come out against the use of UV tanning beds, especially for teenagers, as many physicians have seen a tremendous escalation in skin cancer.
SB 746, which takes effect January 1, 2012, was supported by the American Cancer Society, the California Medical Association and the AIM at Melanoma Foundation. It was opposed by the Indoor Tanning Association, a tanning bed industry group, and ultra-violet tanning bed businesses including Hollywood Tan, Palm Beach Tan and Club Tan.
Adolescents are still physically developing and they are more susceptible to the dangers of prolonged exposure to ultra-violet rays than adults, but the same tanning bed risks that minors face also apply to adults. As with anything, please use moderation with your exposure to ultra-violet rays and if you know you are going to be exposed to UV rays for a prolonged period take the necessary steps to protect yourself with a high quality SPF sun screen.
Skin cancer poses a major threat to the health and well-being of everyone. Please review some of the these skin cancer facts:
• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime
• Over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined
• About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun
Please do what you can to protect and preserve your skin. At my cosmetic surgery practice in Las Vegas, we see the damage that prolonged exposure to ultra-violet rays can do every day. Today there are new alternatives to UV light to get a golden glow and attractive tan. Some of my patients have experirenced very good results with the use of spray tans. There are also “green” tanning options that utilize almonds and other natural elements. We also offer skin care products that restore the natural look of your skin. Whatever approach you take to tanning, please do your research and stay safe.
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(702) 450-0777www.jjrothmd.com
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