INDIANAPOLIS -- The sun-kissed glow from tanning salons could soon be off-limits to children and teens.
The FDA is proposing a ban on the use of indoor tanning beds for anyone under the age of 18.
The agency says children under 18 are at the greatest risk of negative health consequences from indoor tanning beds.
At Kiki Tan in the Garfield Park neighborhood, owner Patricia Fugate estimated one-fifth of her customers are under 18.
"It's a loss to all the tanning companies, just due to the fact that they go on spring break, they've got prom, they got weddings, and they want to look nice," Fugate said.
Aside from cutting into her bottom line, Fugate says it's a decision that should be made at home.
"I honestly feel like that's the parents' choice," she said.
Fugate already requires customers under 18 to show ID and fill out a form. A parent must also be present to sign a waiver.
Medical professionals like Dr. Geoffrey Hays, a pediatric emergency physician at Eskeneazi Hospital, say it's the right move, though.
"There's a growing population of young adults, people under the age of 30, who are now showing up in dermatologists' offices with cancers they should not otherwise have," Hays said.
The FDA is holding a 90-day period of public comment for the proposed rule.
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