Texas Aims to Lower Melanoma Risk through Youth Tanning Law

Texas aims to lower risks for melanoma through a Youth Tanning Law that will bar minors from indoor tanning, according to the NY Times.

Cheri Huber started going to a tanning salon thrice weekly at the age of 16 primarily because she thought her skin was splotchy and pasty.

Now 44, Huber said "there were tanning businesses everywhere. I said, this must be a cool to do because everybody's doing it."

In 2008, after years of continued tanning, she was diagnosed with melanoma but has been in recovery for five years now.

"I wish I were a little bit more educated," Huber told NY Times.

Soon, Texas will be joining a number of other states who have banned indoor tanning among teenagers because it greatly increases the risks of melanoma especially in those under 18 years old.

The Senate Bill 329 by State Senators Joan Huffman, Republican of Southside Place and Sylvia R. Garcia, Democrat of Houston, automatically became law in June without the governor's signature.

It will take effect on Sunday.

"You have to take steps to make sure you provide for the public safety," said Garcia.

 "Drinking, smoking: there are a number of other areas where you want to make sure people know the potential health risks, and I think that is a good reason for us to step in," she added.