OMG, it’s a good day for Washington. Yesterday Governor Jay Inslee signed Bill 6065 into law. Bill 6065 bans the use of tanning beds for minors in Washington State. The bill will prohibit those under age 18 the right to use an indoor tanning device. Those facilities that break the law — they’ll be fined up to $250 per violation starting in mid-June. Children and teens with a doctor’s prescription can use the tanning bed (this will happen VERY rarely). If I were able to pass for a teen (let’s be honest, that was gone years ago) I’d sign up immediately for the undercover work. 🙂 I’m that fired up in ensuring this law works…
For data & numbers (if you’re looking for that) on indoor tanning risks read: Clear And Present Danger: Indoor Tanning
I’m emotional about this as a survivor of malignant melanoma. That’s why I cried when I read this news. I cry because I’m excited and overwhelmed about the hope for turning the tide on rising melanoma diagnoses in children, teens, and young women and I cry because I am also reminded by the stories of loss. I never thought my career in medicine would connect me with politics. It’s moments like this that I’m so glad our public health officials and politicians work hard. Legislation helps and does improve the chances of success for us living into old age.
I see this as a big win for public health, but also feel this as a big win for me as a mom. I really do want to survive to see my kids grow old. Just this week I had to catch my breath while reading about the death of movie star James Rebhorn. Once you’ve had cancer this happens all the time. You’re reading something seemingly innocuously and then you stumble. “Holy moly,” you think, “sorry to hear that guy died.” Then you read how he died (melanoma) and the huge lump comes into your throat. “That could’ve been me.” So many unexpected reminders of the fortune to be alive after having a skin cancer diagnosis.
My hope is that this law will protect millions of children and teens from the increased likelihood of getting skin cancer. My hope is that during my lifetime we see melanoma diagnoses start to go down. If you haven’t seen the below video Dear 16-Year-Old Me, please watch. To celebrate the astounding progress the state of WA just made by joining California, Oregon, Illinois, Texas, and Vermont in banning tanning for kids share this video on your social channels.
Hastag Yippeee. This is going to saves lives…thanks, Washingtonians.
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Kristy D. Kelly says
As a mom, grandmother, and school nurse, I am ecstatic that this law passed. I have a beautiful daughter-in-law who tanned religiously. She was diagnosed a few years ago with melanoma. She has some scars, but she was lucky–it hadn’t gone further; but she was faced with the possibility of leaving her husband and 3 young daughters. Spread the word people–white skin is beautiful–tanned skin is not healthier–and be safe! It’s a wonderful world we live in and we want you to be here to enjoy it as long as possible!
Ora M Roberts says
As a nurse with red hair (well, it was red; now it’s mostly white), and very fair skin, freckles, numerous moles, and born/raised in the Colorado mountains…think high elevation…closer to the sun. Burned multiple times as a teen. I hiked in tank tops and sandals. I was ignorant. Thank God, my skin is healthy, except for hand exzema gone wild. Too many handwashings with caustic soaps during so many years in the NICU. Saving babies. Now I’m hoping to help save you. Kim Karmil, please show this article and video to Courtney. And both of yous, please take it to heart–and skin:) We need her in Nursing. But she has to get there alive. No tanning in salons. Just a little sun bathing. You are beautiful with your fair skin. Self tanning lotions are the only way to go brown. Nurse Ora. Going whiter by the week:)