New Jersey Passes Law Prohibiting Indoor Tanning for Those Under 17
04/02/2013
The state of New Jersey recently passed a law that bans minors under the age of 17 years old from using indoor tanning devices. The law passed both the New Jersey House and Senate in February and was signed into law by Gov. Christopher Christie on April 1, 2013. Dirk M. Elston, MD, FAAD, President of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), commended the state of New Jersey for joining the fight against melanoma. “Through national media coverage and reality television, attention has been drawn to the use of indoor tanning devices in New Jersey,” said Dr. Elston. “This legislation highlights an important step in changing unhealthy behaviors and sends a strong message from the state that tanning is a dangerous behavior and should be avoided.” Additional support for the ban was provided by the Dermatological Society of New Jersey and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association. The law will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2013.