Articles

Tanning Beds

Tanning Beds

• On an average day in the United States, more than 1 million people tan in tanning salons
• Nearly 70 percent of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and women, primarily aged 16 to 29 years
• Nearly 28 million people tan indoors in the United States annually. Of these, 2.3 million are teens
• In 2010, the indoor tanning industry’s revenue is estimated to be $2.6 billion.
• The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency of Research on Cancer panel has declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances)
• Indoor tanning equipment, which includes all artificial light sources, including beds, lamps, bulbs, booths, etc., emits UVA and UVB radiation. The amount of the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun, and in some cases might be stronger.
• Studies have found a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use.
• Evidence from several studies has shown that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.
• Studies have demonstrated that exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning damages the DNA in the skin cells. Excessive exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning can lead to premature skin aging, immune suppression, and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma.
• In addition to the above mentioned risks, frequent, intentional exposure to UV light may lead to an addiction to tanning.
• Indoor tanning beds/lamps should be avoided and should not be used to obtain vitamin D because UV radiation from indoor tanning is a risk factor for skin cancer. Vitamin D can be obtained by a eating a healthy diet and by taking oral supplements.
• In a recent survey of adolescent tanning bed users, it was found that about 58 percent had burns due to frequent exposure to indoor tanning beds/lamps
• The FDA estimates that there are about 3,000 hospital emergency room cases a year due to indoor tanning bed and lamp exposure.

Legislation and Regulations

• On May 6, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed order for stricter regulations on indoor tanning devices. Read more.
• In June 2013, both Nevada and Texas passed a law that prohibits minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning. Additionally, Connecticut passed a law that prohibits minors under the age of 17 from using tanning devices.
• In May 2013, Oregon passed a law prohibiting minors under the age of 18 years old from using indoor tanning devices, unless a prescription is provided.
• On April 2, 2013, New Jersey passed a law that bans minors under the age of 17 years old from using indoor tanning devices.
• Springfield and Chicago, Illinois have instituted ordinances prohibiting minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning.
• On May 2, 2012, Vermont became the second state to ban indoor tanning for those 18 years and younger.
• On Oct. 9, 2011, California became the first state in the nation to prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices for all children and adolescents under the age of 18.
• Academy position statement about indoor tanning
• The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) opposes indoor tanning and supports a ban on the production and sale of indoor tanning equipment for non-medical purposes.
• The American Academy of Dermatology supports the WHO recommendation that minors should not use indoor tanning equipment because indoor tanning devices emit UVA and UVB radiation, and because overexposure to UV radiation can lead to the development of skin cancer.
• Unless and until the FDA bans the sale and use of indoor tanning equipment for non-medical purposes, the Academy supports restrictions for indoor tanning facilities, including:
• No person or facility should advertise the use of any UVA or UVB tanning device using wording such as “safe,” “safe tanning,” “no harmful rays,” “no adverse effect,” or similar wording or concepts.
• Learn more about the dangers of indoor tanning:

SOURCES:

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