Calif. Senate Bans Minors From Using Tanning Beds

SACRAMENTO (AP) — California lawmakers want to limit the use of tanning booths by teens, warning that the bronzed glow they create comes from radiation and raises the risk of skin cancer.

The California Senate voted 24-9 Wednesday to ban indoor tanning by anyone under age 18. The bill next goes to the Assembly.

California already bans the use of tanning booths by those under 14, but older teens could use them with permission from a parent or guardian.

The sponsor of SB 746, Sen. Ted Lieu, a Torrance Democrat, says raising the age will help protect young teens from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and increased risk of melanoma or other potentially deadly cancers.

Opponents said they wanted more scientific proof that the tanning lamps cause cancer.

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