Time interviews Sophie Balk, M.D., and T. Byram Karasu, M.D., about the physical and psychological dangers of tanning booths, particularly for children. Dr. Balk explains that indoor tanning causes damage to DNA and should be banned for children under 18. Dr. Karasu notes that while tanning addicts may feel good afterwards, they should never be tempted to share their habit with their children. Dr. Balk is professor of clinical pediatrics at Einstein and an attending pediatrician at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. Dr. Karasu, professor and chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Einstein and psychiatrist-in-chief at Montefiore Medical Center.
May 4, 2012