Bill to Protect New York State’s Young People from the Dangers of Skin Cancer Due to Indoor Tanning Passes Senate

Albany, NY – June 12, 2018 – The New York State Senate today passed a bill (S.5585a) to prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by minors under the age of 18. The bill was already passed by the assembly and will now go to Governor Cuomo’s desk.

“Kids and tanning devices don’t mix. Keeping kids away from dangerous indoor tanning devices is a no-brainer,” said Julie Hart, New York government relations director of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “We thank bill sponsor Senator Phil Boyle and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan. for their hard work resulting in the passage of this important public health bill. We also thank Assembly sponsor Ellen Jaffee and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Fifteen states prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by everyone under 18. We look forward to adding New York to this list."

“There are many obstacles and challenges that befall our young people today,” said Senator Boyle.  “Many of which are out of our control. Common sense says we should avoid situations that can knowingly cause harm.  The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has noted that the highest risk for skin cancer lies in avoiding the use of indoor tanning facilities. Melanoma is currently the second most common cancer among females aged 15 – 29.   The younger a person starts and the more repeated exposure to UV rays, the greater the risk for developing skin cancer later in life. I applaud my legislative colleagues for seeing the benefits of this bill and thank them for passing it so swiftly.  I urge Governor Cuomo to also see the health and safety benefits of this bill and to do the same.”

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from indoor tanning devices has been directly linked to increased risk of melanoma and has been categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “carcinogenic to humans.” In fact, indoor tanning use before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, by 59 percent.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with millions of cases being diagnosed annually. In New York State this year alone, it is estimated that almost 5,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
 

“We are hopeful that this bill will be signed into law as soon as possible by Governor Cuomo as an important step to protect our state’s young people,” said Hart.