Cancer survivors, medical professionals and lawmakers joined Governor Jack Markell (D-Delaware) Monday at the American Cancer Society Action Network in New Castle as he signed a bill banning minors from using tanning beds.
The new law builds on previous legislation restricting the use of tanning beds over of safety concerns.
Cindy Canevari, the Delaware’s lead ambassador for the Action Network, says the law will protect minors from some of the harmful effects of tanning beds.
"When you’re young using a tanning bed," Canevari said, "we feel like we’re invincible. But it catches up with you when you’re in your late 20s and early 30s. So I think it’s really going to save lives."
Stacey Walls, a skin cancer survivor who started using tanning beds at the age of 15, attended today’s Monday’s ceremony at the American Cancer Society Action Network in New Castle.
She says the new law will help young people who may not have practiced good judgment regarding tanning beds.
"If it stops just one child from developing melanoma, and saving a life, it’s definitely worth it."
The new law also mandates warning signs and statements within tanning facilities. It goes into effect January 1.