Indoor tanning not safe, no matter what parlors tell you
SEATTLE -- Indoor tanning is not safe, no matter what the people who run suntan parlors tell you. And now, because of a recent settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the tanning industry must tell you the truth about the risks of skin cancer.
The feds had charged the Indoor Tanning Association with making "false health and safety claims" in its advertising. In settling those charges, the association agreed that any future ads that talk health or safety must include the following
disclosure:
"NOTICE: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation may increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer and can cause serious eye injury."
Any ad that talks about tanning and Vitamin D must also include a notice that states "you do not need to become tan for your skin to make Vitamin D."
Despite what you may have heard, indoor tanning is not government approved and is not safer than tanning outdoors.
The Melanoma Research Foundation says using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent and using tanning beds occasionally can triple your chances of getting melanoma.
More information:
Indoor Tanning Association Settles FTC Charges That It Deceived Consumers About Skin Cancer Risks From Tanning
Indoor tanning and melanoma
American Cancer Society: Indoor tanning and our kids
The feds had charged the Indoor Tanning Association with making "false health and safety claims" in its advertising. In settling those charges, the association agreed that any future ads that talk health or safety must include the following
disclosure:
"NOTICE: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation may increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer and can cause serious eye injury."
Any ad that talks about tanning and Vitamin D must also include a notice that states "you do not need to become tan for your skin to make Vitamin D."
Despite what you may have heard, indoor tanning is not government approved and is not safer than tanning outdoors.
The Melanoma Research Foundation says using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent and using tanning beds occasionally can triple your chances of getting melanoma.
More information:
Indoor Tanning Association Settles FTC Charges That It Deceived Consumers About Skin Cancer Risks From Tanning
Indoor tanning and melanoma
American Cancer Society: Indoor tanning and our kids