Watch CBS News

Rep. Maloney Launches Initiative To Keep Minors Out Of Tanning Beds

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- The federal government is calling for a ban on the use of tabbing beds for minors.

Rep. Maloney Launches Initiative To Keep Minors Out Of Tanning Beds

On Saturday, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney joined health officials in announcing a new initiative that would establish a nationwide ban on the use of tanning beds by those who are less than 18-years-old, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported.

"The UV from tanning beds goes deep into the skin. It does a lot of damage there," Dr. Jennifer Stein, NYU Langone Medical Center, said.

Rep. Maloney has been sounding the alarm over tanning beds for years. She has been successful in getting new warning labels placed on beds, and now wants the FDA to issue a nationwide ban for anyone under the age of 18.

"Young woman especially are getting skin cancer at very young ages, she said.

They are being lured into what Maloney described as 'cancer coffins' by advertisements that promote tanning as healthy and fashionable. She said that children don't understand the dangers.

"What is so terrible about melanoma is that there is no cure. There is no cure," Maloney said.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.