I was young (which I'd like to think wasn’t THAT long ago), it was common practice to buy a package of visits at the local tanning salon before prom, summer vacation or any other upcoming event. I wouldn't say I did it all the time, but looking back, I did it more than I should have. A new report is classifying tanning beds as "carcinogenic to humans." So perhaps the "bronzed-beauty" look is no longer worth the risks to your health. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) is the group pushing for more stringent warnings and restrictions on tanning bed use. The first group they are targeting are those under 18. Current laws vary by state. Some states already prohibit young people from using tanning beds, while others require written permission from a parent. But their recommendation is to ban anyone under 18 from using a tanning bed because of the risk of developing skin cancer. The report, published in the journal The Lancet Oncology determined that the risk of melanoma increases by 75 percent when someone starts using tanning beds before age 30. There have been previous arguments that tanning beds are safe because they only emit UVA light. But findings of new research have prompted the agency to classify all UV radiation (including UVA, UVB and UVC) as carcinogenic. The FDA requires tanning salons to require customers wear protective eye goggles. My friends and I never wore the goggles because we were afraid of getting tan lines that looked like a "raccoon mask." Not smart, huh? Salons are also required to inform customers of the risks of skin cancer and eye damage. These new findings are forcing the FDA to take a second look at strengthening the language of these warnings. Do you go to tanning beds? Are you worried about your risk for skin cancer, or do you figure your risk of being in the sun is just as bad? Would you let your teenager go to a tanning salon, especially in light of the most recent research? |
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