Tanning Beds Should be Regulated

Let me begin by saying yes, yes we should.

Now let me clarify: Yes we should regulate indoor tanning.

Indoor tanning, usually done in tanning beds, is a known risk for the body. It is known to cause melanoma among those who use this form of appearance alteration. 

Dr. Michael Olding stated that given the absence of any demonstrated benefit, it’s an obligation for us to ban artificial tanning for those under the age of 18.

Tanning beds have a clear association with skin cancer, especially in those that fall in the age group of 18-29

Let me explain why:

Tanning beds emit 2 different types of UV rays: the UVA rays and the UVB rays. UVB rays are the “burning rays” which cause irritation and reddening and blistering of the skin. But because most salons don’t want their customers to leave with reddened and blistering skin, their tanning beds emit more UVA rays, which penetrate the skin and are the reason that tanning beds are so dangerous. By penetrating the skin, it becomes a major benefactor for base cell carcinoma.

In fact, just one indoor tanning session per year for a high schooler or college student boosts the risk of base cell carcinoma by 10%. That is increased by 73% if one tans six times per year. 

Now take in consideration that 18 to 21 year olds, on average, go to 28 tanning sessions a year. 

The International Agency for Research on Cancer includes indoor tanning devices in its Group 1, a list of the most dangerous cancer-causing substances along with plutonium and cigarettes.

So if the agency who focuses on the research of cancer considers this to be a major cause for the disease, why does the FDA classify it as a class 1 medical device, along side tongue depressors and elastic bandages?

In these days as many as a quarter of the melanomas in young women can be attributed directly to tanning bed use.

Currently the only states to ban the use of tanning beds for all minors under 18 are California and Vermont. And 31 states loosely regulate the use of tanning facilities by minors.

But I say we don’t just focus on those under the age of 18. Frequent exposure to UV rays for individuals under the age of 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 75%. So teenagers are not the only ones impacted by this.

Currently, Utah does not have any laws related to indoor tanning, and we are not alone. Many states think that they are regulating this issue, but are they really?

In Connecticut, if you are 16 or younger, you need a parent or guardian’s signature in order to use a tanning bed. Good right? How many parents do you think actually read it all the way through? 

Other states require you to sign a form, saying that you understand all of the risks of tanning beds, but these superficial people are not going to read all of these risks, they are just there to tan, and the fact that they are tanning and want to cause damage to their cells, should be enough indication that they have no clue and don’t really care that it may cause melanoma.

This is exactly why indoor tanning needs to be regulated. Everyone is clueless of the actual risks and outcomes of tanning beds, yet more than one million Americans use tanning salons every day. 

Please tan responsibly. Actually, don’t even tan. If vampires can look sexy with their skin, why can’t you?