2008 Woodie Awards
Bill to propose limitation on teen tanning
Christopher Washington
Issue date: 4/24/07 Section: Community
Ohio's teenagers could be forced to tan under a new light, with the recent development of a bill from Ohio Representative Courtney Combs (R-Hamilton) to prohibit the use of tanning beds to those under age 18.
Lewis Barich, co-chair of the Ohio State Medical Association and the Ohio Dermatological Association, who worked closely with Combs to develop the legislation, said the suggestion to create the bill was presented to Combs in October 2006. Although Combs was unavailable for comment, Barich said the request for the bill was a response from Hamilton City Council to the growing dangers of the use of tanning bed facilities, specifically for teenagers.
"People receive most of their lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light before the age of 18," Barich said. "Tanning rays penetrate deeper and the children's immune systems (are) not fully developed."
Barich said Hamilton City Council produced an ordinance regarding tanning in 1989, which permitted underage tanning provided parental consent was produced. This ordinance eventually developed into a statewide law.
Hamilton Law Director Hilary Stevenson said many local doctors approached city council because of the fears associated with
excessive tanning.
"There were a number of doctors that specialized in dermatological issues like cancers and such and approached city council and asked if we would consider legislation of this nature," Stevenson said.
While much of the Miami University community is over the age of 18, the proposed legislation has caught the attention of
several Oxford and Miami community members.
Keith Zullig; assistant professor of physical education, health and sports studies; said the legislation is important because of the protection it provides for those who are younger.
"I think anything is always good that can protect kids because the human brain isn't fully developed until 25," Zullig said.
Miami senior Sari Kimmel, a student of Zullig, said the younger generation does not consider the consequences when choosing to use a tanning facility.
Lewis Barich, co-chair of the Ohio State Medical Association and the Ohio Dermatological Association, who worked closely with Combs to develop the legislation, said the suggestion to create the bill was presented to Combs in October 2006. Although Combs was unavailable for comment, Barich said the request for the bill was a response from Hamilton City Council to the growing dangers of the use of tanning bed facilities, specifically for teenagers.
"People receive most of their lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light before the age of 18," Barich said. "Tanning rays penetrate deeper and the children's immune systems (are) not fully developed."
Barich said Hamilton City Council produced an ordinance regarding tanning in 1989, which permitted underage tanning provided parental consent was produced. This ordinance eventually developed into a statewide law.
Hamilton Law Director Hilary Stevenson said many local doctors approached city council because of the fears associated with
excessive tanning.
"There were a number of doctors that specialized in dermatological issues like cancers and such and approached city council and asked if we would consider legislation of this nature," Stevenson said.
While much of the Miami University community is over the age of 18, the proposed legislation has caught the attention of
several Oxford and Miami community members.
Keith Zullig; assistant professor of physical education, health and sports studies; said the legislation is important because of the protection it provides for those who are younger.
"I think anything is always good that can protect kids because the human brain isn't fully developed until 25," Zullig said.
Miami senior Sari Kimmel, a student of Zullig, said the younger generation does not consider the consequences when choosing to use a tanning facility.
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