Legislation would prohibit indoor tanning for Michigan minors

We have heard for years that indoor tanning can cause skin cancer, but many young people are not getting the message.  Now a state representative is sponsoring legislation designed to keep teens out of the tanning beds.

"It's no good.  They're bad for you," says Dr. Steve Grekin.

The dermatologist will tell you flat out stay away from tanning beds because the mega dose of ultraviolet rays are even more harmful than the sun.

"Whenever you go in a tanning bed, you're damaging your skin," he says.

Now with support from the Michigan State Medical Society and young cancer patients, Democratic Representative Jim Townsend from Royal Oak has just introduced legislation that would prohibit minors from indoor tanning.

"This causes melanomas in the skin.  It's proven," says Grekin.

The CDC says anyone under 35 years old who goes to a tanning bed raises their risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent, and about a third of high school girls admit to indoor tanning.

"What's going to happen,  Grekin's prediction?  They're all going to be outlawed, and they're all going to disappear," the doctor says.

Now during spring break and prom season, many girls are even more tempted to tan, but if this legislation passes, it will no longer be an option.

Currently 36 states, including Michigan, restrict indoor tanning use by minors, meaning they might need parental consent.  Only two states actually prohibit indoor tanning for minors -- California and Vermont.