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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Skin cancer survivors and a dozen like-minded organizations have testified in support of a bill that would ban tanning beds to those younger than 18 years old.
The Topeka Capital-Journal (http://bit.ly/1Xiwd1R) reports that the bill would forbid anyone 17 or under from tanning devices. It would also allow the Kansas Board of Cosmetology to impose a maximum fine of $250 on tanning businesses for every violation of the law.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the past, but hasn't survived the political gauntlet.
The bill's hearing before the House Health and Human Services Committee coincided with the annual lobbying day of the Cancer Action Network affiliated with the American Cancer Society.
Hilary Gee of the Cancer Action Network said a 2013 survey indicated that 69 percent of Kansas voters supported protection of children and teenagers from indoor tanning devices.
Ultraviolet radiation from tanning devices has been categorized by the World Health Organization as "carcinogenic to humans" and linked to an increased risk of melanoma.
"I have had a total of 42 biopsies in the last 12 months," said Amy Holdman, an Overland Park resident. "If I could go back to my teens, knowing what I know now, I would have never gotten into a tanning bed."
Corrie Fuester, another Overland Park resident, said the bill is necessary because too few teenagers understand the risk of tanning.
"I have many friends that have had melanoma caused from tanning beds," she said. "That doesn't mean much to a teenager. They think they are invincible and it will never happen to them."
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Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com
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