Call for Stricter Regulations on Indoor Tanning by the Dermatology Association

 Call for Stricter Regulations on Indoor Tanning by the Dermatology Association

Tanning is a frequent practice for most teenagers, second only to getting a tan during prom season or during spring break. Studies show that youth disregard dermatologists' cautions about tanning being the biggest preventable risk factor for skin cancer, opting instead for a bronzed appearance.
During the American Academy of Dermatology's Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month news conference, dermatologist James M. Spencer, M.D., vice chairman of the dermatology department at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, discussed the rise of tanning among teenagers and the efforts made by the AAD to address this issue.
Worrying Patterns More people will get skin cancer this year than any other type of cancer in the US, with over a million new cases. The most deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma, is expected to increase by 4 percent from 2003 to 2004, with an anticipated 95,880 new cases.
"Although many health issues are intricate and comprise numerous factors, in the instance of skin cancer, our knowledge points to ultraviolet light as the cause, and the remedy is to refrain from excessive exposure," stated Dr. Spencer. The annual increase in skin cancer cases persists, nonetheless, despite this awareness. Teens still get tans despite the obvious dangers to their health, which is really discouraging.
Indoor tanning is common among non-Hispanic white adolescents (13–19 years old), according to a nationwide study of 6,903 teens. The study also found that demographics, drug use (including alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana), diet, and cognitive ability are some of the psychosocial factors that impact this behavior. The article "Use of Indoor Tanning Facilities by White Adolescents in the United States" was published in the Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, September 2003 issue.
In a nationwide survey, 36.8% of young women and 11.2% of young males reported ever using a tanning booth, respectively, making it clear that the former group is significantly more likely to have participated in this practice. Additionally, as the girls got older, more of them admitted to using tanning salons. While 11.2% of girls in the 13–14 age group reported using a tanning booth three times or more, 47% of young women in the 18–19 age group did so.
Adolescents' propensity to use indoor tanning booths varied considerably by geographic location, with the Midwest and the South having two- to three-times the national average. More students from rural areas admitted to having used an indoor tanning facility than from metropolitan areas when asked about their high school experience.
"This study confirms that despite the risk, indoor tanning seems to be increasingly popular with young people - and particularly young women," Dr. Spencer added. "Despite our knowledge of the risks of tanning, it's tragic that these teenagers endure such strong pressure to adhere to the cosmetic standards promoted by advertising and popular culture."
Acting Dermatologists
It is believed that indoor tanning generates more than $5 billion in annual sales in the US. The tanning beds used in most salons use bulbs that emit high levels of ultraviolet B and UVA radiation, which can cause skin cancer and premature aging. Actually, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other artificial light sources (e.g., sunlamps and tanning beds) is now officially on the government's list of recognized carcinogens.
The federal government oversees the companies that make tanning beds and accessories. It is often the responsibility of the states to oversee tanning salon operations once the equipment has been sold by manufacturers. Although tanning salon operators are subject to regulation in 29 states, the laws governing this industry vary in strength and enforcement is spotty at best. Different states have different policies regarding tanning booths. Some outright ban them for kids without parental approval, some make salon owners post warning signs, while still others can just set training and education requirements.
It is unclear who would enforce even the most basic safety requirements, Dr. Spencer added. That implies that technology that looks to be used often in a reckless manner is accessible to children and teenagers. We commend states such as Tennessee, Texas, and California for their zealous efforts to pass severe laws limiting the accessibility of indoor tanning establishments, particularly to children. However, additional states should follow their example and impose restrictions that restrict the availability of this risky practice.
In a new position statement on indoor tanning, the American Academy of Dermatology (AADA) calls on the FDA to outlaw the sale and use of tanning equipment for non-medical purposes and urges states to vigorously seek legislation that protects children. When it comes to indoor tanning facilities, the AADA is in favor of the following regulations:
Tanning beds should not be accessible to anyone under the age of 18. Every tanning device needs a warning from the Surgeon General.
No establishment or individual may promote the use of any UVA or UVB tanning device by using the terms "safe," "safe tanning," "no harmful rays," "no adverse effect," or any similar phrase.
"Across the majority of the nation, none of the fundamental security measures that we are suggesting are necessary," Dr. Spencer clarified. Indoor tanning is just as harmful as other harmful activities, and there must to be regulations to prevent minors from partaking in it, just as there are for smoking and excessive drinking. Prohibiting indoor tanning for children should be a top priority for all states.
This summer, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is planning to release print and TV PSAs) to the media across the country that will educate youth on the risks of tanning, in addition to their push for stricter laws.
"They are hesitant to change their behavior because they feel more attractive with a tan," stated Dr. Spencer, "despite teens knowing that overexposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging." Dr. Spencer's research included focus groups with teenagers from around the nation. We utilized this information to inform the development of the messages and pictures used in our new public service announcement campaign, which nearly compels teenagers to pause and reflect on their actions. We can make a difference in the lives of at least one kid if we can persuade them to change their ways.

Location:

Share :