Maryland County Bans Tanning for Teens

Starting Thursday, it will be illegal in one Maryland County for teens to tan in a tanning bed. Late Tuesday, the Howard County Board of Health passed its effort to ban minors from tanning beds. It was a unanimous vote (9-0) and takes effect Thursday.

No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to use indoor tanning devices. According to the health department, they become the first in the nation to pass such a ban. The industry promises a legal challenge.

This will likely be the first battle in a war between industry and health officials.

The vote came after several hours of emotional testimony.

"Right now I am a little freaked out. Yesterday I found this dot on my hand," said Jean Shapiro, skin cancer survivor.

Melanoma cancer survivors like Shapiro made an emotional plea to the Howard County Health Board about a disease that affects more than just the skin.

"I live with this every day wondering if today is the day. If hidden cells will start attacking and growing without me ever knowing," said Shapiro.

Recent studies have shown that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning lamps by teens could increase melanoma risk by 75 percent.

It's a claim that brought one operator to near tears.

"I've had to learn the science of tanning beds to prove to people and myself that i wasn't killing people. I truly believe it doesn't," said Mark Bruce, a tanning salon owner.

The Health Boards unanimous vote means new regulations countywide take affect Thursday. It also positions the health department as the first in the nation to ban teen use of tanning beds.

"We don't allow kids to buy alcohol or Tobacco even if parents give them permission. Why should cancer beds be any different?" asked Dr. Peter Beilenson, Howard County Health Department.

"The bottom line is a ban would hurt more teens than help. What we know, studies show teens who tan in salons despite what heard are less likely to sunburn outdoors, as opposed to non-tanners," said Joseph Levy, SMART Tans.

The industry plans to challenge the new ban in court.

"We don't desire confrontation, but can't allow it to happen. You don't have the authority," said Bruce Bereano, a lobbyist for the Tanning Association.

The teen tanning ban takes affect Thursday, but there is a 30-day grace period.