In a policy statement released on ultraviolet radiation, published in the March issue of Pediatrics the American Academy of Pediatrics are rallying for all pediatricians to “support and advocate for legislation to ban access to tanning salons for children younger than 18 years.”   They are supported by the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association.

Why is tanning for minors so bad?

•   There is a 74% higher risk of melanoma for people who use tanning salons than people who don’t
•  The artificial uv light is 10 t0 15 more intense than the uv light in sunlight
• At least 1/3 of 17-year-old girls have visited a tanning parlor at least once

While doing research about the ban on tanning for minors I found a melanoma survivor, Jay Allen, from Australia who is collecting signatures to ban tanning salons all together. As of right now Jay Allen has 618 out of the 1,000 needed for his petition. He started sunbedban.com as a national awareness campaign with the goal to see sunbeds banned in Australia. A staggering 2 out of 3 Australians will be treated for skin cancer during their lives. Australian men also have the highest rate of melanoma cancers! To read more about sunbedban.com and sign the petition visit Ban Solariums.