Man calls for ban on minors in tanning salons

By: The Associated Press | NBC 10
Published: July 05, 2010

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PROVIDENCE --

An aspiring doctor in Rhode Island says his fight to ban minors from tanning salons isn't over, despite a legislative defeat.

This year, during his residency at Brown University, Jason Neustadter launched a campaign to make Rhode Island the first state in the nation to ban minors from tanning salons. The bill died in a House committee.

The 33-year-old Neustadter says he has support from area dermatologists, and will bring the bill back in the fall.

Neustadter was diagnosed with skin cancer, and traces the problem to tanning salons trips when he was a teen.

He says the world's major health organizations all recognize the dangers of indoor tanning to youths.

Tanning salon owners said the bill would hurt business and that existing laws are adequate, including a requirement that minors get parental permission.