MASON CITY, IA - 17-year-old Grace Moore says she tans only for special occasions."I think being a teenager I probably tan for prom and homecoming and before and after spring break."
But tanning regulations are getting tougher. Now, Moore and other teens need a parent's permission to use the beds. The healthcare law added an extra ten cents to every "tanning dollar."
"Being under 18 you are under your parents rules so I think they should be involved in making that decision."
Jason Laube, the Owner of Cutting Edge Fitness in Clear Lake, says teens have to come in with a parent and sign a waiver. They also have to read something from the Iowa Department of Public Health.
"Right now, we have no one under the age of 16 come in here."
17-year-olds may soon be added to that list after new reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics. They say nearly 9 thousand people died of melanoma last year, and about 70 thousand new melanomas were diagnosed. Evidence is linking these cases with indoor tanning.
"I think it does have some positives and some negatives. Overuse can be a huge concern in terms of people coming in way too much."
And some teens even agree that staying away from the tanning salon could be better for their health. But it may not keep all youths from tanning after they reach the legal age.
"It's just like any other thing that has an age limit you just have to wait until it's your turn."
