Teens and tanning debate continues

WATERFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Should teens be tanning? That is something that has been under debate for years and now salon owners are taking it upon themselves to follow stricter rules to avoid more controversy.

A lot has been said about tanning salons, some tout the benefits of vitamin D generated from the UV rays while others warn of risks for things like skin cancer.

Zack Baker says moderation is key when climbing into one of these beds.

"You can get skin cancer too from going out in the sun too much," said Baker. "So like anything else just make sure you don't make a habit of going any day."

In an effort to stave off continued efforts to completely ban minors from tanning, the indoor tanning industry went to the state Capitol to introduce voluntary rules regarding those under the age of 18 who want to tan.

"Under 16 you need a doctor's note," said Curt Carboni, Maui Sun Tanning, "we haven't had one come in yet."

Carboni owns Maui Sun Tanning Salon in Waterford. He already requires parental consent for anyone under 18 and a doctor's note for anyone under 16. More than 100 other salons have now agreed to do the same.

So what about critics who say things like, "You're going to get melanoma, you're going to...again a lot of misinformation."

A lot of Carboni's clients come in to get ready for the Caribbean or some other beach vacation. In fact he says less than five percent of those who come in to tan are teens.

"It's a great place to go to start out and get a base before you go to the beach," said Baker.

"If someone comes in who has trouble tanning or can't tan we just tell them don't do it," said Carboni. "Why spend your money here, go somewhere else, get a tattoo."

Carboni says you just need to be smart about it.