COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers are taking a deeper look at tanning practices among minors. A newly introduced Senate Bill 59 seeks to bar individuals younger than 18 from using tanning beds throughout the state.
Current regulations permit 16 to 17-year-olds to utilize tanning services, given they possess written consent from a parent or legal guardian. For those younger than 16, both parental consent and presence during the tanning sessions are necessary.
State Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, the bill’s introducer, argues that earlier tanning habits can lead to prolonged use.
Johnson’s proposal aligns with FDA guidelines, which advise against tanning services for those under 18. Citing the American Academy of Dermatology Association, he pointed out that nearly 33% of tanning bed users began as minors.
Across the country, 22 states and Washington, D.C. already forbid minors from accessing tanning devices. States like Oregon and Washington only allow it with a prescription. In total, 44 states have some sort of legislation that limits tanning for minors.
The potential risks of tanning are significant. A 2022 study by the Ohio Department of Health emphasized that UV radiation, from both natural and artificial sources, is a leading risk factor for all skin cancers, including the dangerous melanoma.
The legislation is set for its fifth hearing, with stakeholders keenly observing its trajectory.