A push to ban teens from using tanning beds in Maryland

WASHINGTON – Anyone under the age of 18 wouldn’t be able to use tanning beds if a new bill passes in the Maryland General Assembly.

The bill, SB 213, was introduced this month, and is sponsored by 12 Maryland State Senators. A similar bill, HB 207, is making its way through the House.

The sponsors say the ban isn’t that much different from banning tobacco sales to minors, since both have been linked to cancer.

Right now, minors can only use artificial tanning beds with parent’s permission.

A similar ban was proposed in 2010.

The Indoor Tanning Association’s website says the reported risks of skin cancer from tanning beds is “exaggerated.”

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