On October 9, 2011 Califorina Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law prohibiting the use of indoor tanning for minors under 18 years of age, making California the first state to ban it for those aged 16-17. Ultraviolet tanning beds are dangerous to all people, not just minors, because it induces photodamage to the skin, which is evident as fine lines, discoloration, sagging skin, and laxity. Even more important is that it increases the risk for skin cancer, both melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancer, the most common type of skin cancer. For these reasons dermatologists recommend against ultraviolet tanning beds. Spray tanning gives a similar effect without the risks. Dr. Ronald Roy, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association commends "the California legislature for their efforts to help reduce the future incidence of skin cancer by protecting youth from the dangers of indoor tanning." The legislation was sponsored by the California Society of Dermatology and AIM at Melanoma, a non-profit organization involved in research and education in the area of melanoma.
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