BOSTON - In an effort to reduce underage exposure to harmful indoor tanning bed rays, Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced that the Senate unanimously passed legislation which would prevent persons under the age of eighteen from using or operating an indoor tanning device.

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, those who frequent indoor tanneries are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.

“The public health benefits of this leigisltion are substantial,” said Sen. Moore. “While the negative impacts of indoor tanning may not be immediately visible, evidence has proven that use of indoor tanning beds leads to irreversible damage and harmful future health effects.”

The bill will now go before the House of Representatives for consideration.