| 6/25/2012 |
Underage tanning bill passes into law
STATE HOUSE – Legislation restricting those younger than 18 from using indoor tanning facilities unless they have a doctor’s note or a parent signs a consent form in person at every second tanning session has passed into law.
The legislation (2012-S 2322A, 2012-H 7825A), sponsored by Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3, Providence) and Rep. Eileen S. Naughton (D-Dist. 21, Warwick), is a compromise from an earlier version that would have completely banned minors from using indoor tanning facilities.
The bill, which takes effect Jan. 1 and passed into law without the governor’s signature, is meant as a way to curb the intentional exposure of children to cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation, and prevent them from forming habits early in life that have a high cancer-risk.
Under the legislation, no minor shall be allowed to use indoor tanning facilities unless he or she presents a prescription from a licensed physician for UV radiation treatment or the child’s parent or guardian, in the presence of an employee of the tanning facility, signs a written consent form every second time the minor tans. The legislation specifies that the following language that must be included on the form to make parents aware of the risks to which their children will be exposed: I understand that the World Health Organization has classified the ultraviolet radiation used in tanning facilities as a Class 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco products. By exposing my child to ultraviolet radiation in this tanning facility, the possibility of my child developing melanoma (skin cancer) will increase. I also understand that there are safe alternatives available to achieve the same cosmetic effect as exposing my child’s skin to ultraviolet radiation, such as spray tanning or bronzing creams.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457 |
LEGISLATIVE INFO
