Story perspectives

Kennedy Jr. Reverses Minor Tanning Ban Amid Health Warnings

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew the rule banning indoor tanning for people under 18 on March 16, 2026.
Dermatologists warn indoor tanning emits UV doses above sunlight, which the WHO lists as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Physicians and cancer researchers filed more than 9,000 comments supporting the rule, outnumbering industry opposition.
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia ban minors from indoor tanning, leaving protection uneven nationwide.

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Story summary

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew the rule banning indoor tanning for people under 18 on March 16, 2026.
Dermatologists warn indoor tanning emits UV doses above sunlight, which the WHO lists as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Physicians and cancer researchers filed more than 9,000 comments supporting the rule, outnumbering industry opposition.
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia ban minors from indoor tanning, leaving protection uneven nationwide.