The World Health Organization wants to prohibit anyone 18 and under from indoor tanning facilities. There are, however, no federal laws in the United States restricting youth access to tanning beds, and only half the states have their own restrictions.
The FDA recommends but does not require that indoor tanning bed operators limit teens to three or fewer tanning bed sessions in their first week of using the facility. Researchers found only about 11 percent did so, and 71 percent of tanning bed operators said they would allow a teen to tan seven days a week.
Those in favor of the ban site poor judgment by teens in their use of tanning beds that will result in damage to young skin that will cause repercussions later in life. Critics of the proposed ban feel that health risks from tanning are from overexposure or burning, not from moderate tanning. They say that the risks have been exaggerated and that indoor tanning is not more dangerous for any specific age group.
Dr David M. Pariser, President of the American Academy of Dermatology, states that the evidence is clear and there is no such thing as a safe tan. He suggests that people consider these facts:
- Substantially more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year.
- One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
- One person dies of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, almost every hour.
Dr Pariser feels that just as U.S. law prohibits sales of cigarettes to teenagers, there should be laws that restrict use of indoor tanning equipment by those younger than 18.
Dan Humiston, president of the Indoor Tanning Association, states that at 17 most American teens can serve and die for their country with parental consent. “Furthermore, American teenagers are legally entrusted with the ability to operate a motor vehicle, despite that fact that auto accidents are the number-one killer of teens. Like so many things, UV light in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle but can be dangerous if overused.”
What do you think?
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Comments
9 Responses to Should Tanning Salons Be Off-Limits To Teens?
I was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma on my face at the age of 24. I had a spot under my eye that wouldn’t go away and would periodically bleed when I washed my face. It was dismissed by my family physician (I was “too young” for skin cancer) & 2 dermatologists before I finally went to a well recognized dermatologist in my area. Tanning was something I did all through high school, to be tan for prom was the “it” thing. Now at the age of 28, I see a dermatologist regularly & have a skin check every year. I remember signing a paper before I tanned, don’t remember what it said, but probably warned me of the consequences. However, at the age of 16- I didn’t care, kids always think they’re invincible.
As a high school teacher, I see many girls who look like walking Cheetos–skin a dark orange from tanning several times a week. Teens are not able to think clearly and rationally about the future consequences of their actions.
Besides, there are several safer alternatives to frying yourself in a box with UV lights if you want a golden glow. Many of the self-tanners on the market now are easy to use and inexpensive.
I am totally against tanning salons all together. I guess it is the nurse in me. I was discussing this with my son last night and asked his opinion. He said, ” Do you have to have permission from your parent to get a tattoo if you are under 18?” I said yes and he said “Then you should for this also.” I agree with him.
I have worked in a high school setting also for over 17 years and I have also seen too many teens that are glowing orange. I am wondering how much income teens generate for the tanning salon industry?
Pam, your son is wise! I agree with him.
I am also not a fan of tanning salons and I do not think teens should be putting themselves at risk like that. I bet they (or their parents) contribute a lot to the tanning industry.
Gina you are right. A lot of girls nowadays do look like walking Cheetos! It is so unnatural looking. How can they think they look good?
The teens really should be on the lookout for skin cancers, too. I’d Rather Poke My Eyes Out, thanks for sharing your experience. You probably did sign a waver that said the salon wasn’t responsible for any medical emergencies due to tanning. But, you’re right. At 16, kids think they’re invincible.
I do like a tan look, when I was younger, I tanned in salons and in the sun. For health reasons, we really need to change our perspective on this as a society. Go back to the fair look. it’s not something I like, but I just can’t believe how they spray those little tiny kids w/a tan for the show Toddlers & Tiaras.
I would not want my youngster tanning w/o my permission. I do get torn on this type of situation. On one hand, I think it’s okay for the gov to treat it as a drug w/dangerous side affects and prohibit it’s use. I see it’s comparison to driving as uneven. Transportation is a need, tanning is not. On the other hand, I don’t like rights of parents being taken away and not sure how the legislation would work. It’s very difficult when an established trade is declared unsafe, there are a lot of things to consider. I don’t plan on letting my teen tan in a salon and I certainly don’t plan on it for myself.
I’d rather poke my eye out, wow, that’s scary that it took a doctor so long to recognize. So very scary. Thanks for sharing, that’s a good thing to know.
I was discussing this with my son last night and asked his opinion. He said, ” Do you have to have permission from your parent to get a tattoo if you are under 18?” I said yes and he said “Then you should for this also.”
I agree. There are restrictions on cigarettes, tattoos, etc. for those under 18 – given the health risks I see no reason not to add tanning salons to the list.
I may just be bitter, though, because I’m congenitally unable to tan.
I have been tanning since I was a teen, and I can tell you for sure that I am more educated about tanning and skin than most of my friends. When summer approached, my friends were all out getting sunburned on the beach, because they felt that’s how they had to jump start their tan. I knew differently because the staff at my salon taught me about tanning and skincare. I have great skin, I look much younger than my age. And, I am pretty certain that some of my friends who fried on the beach acquired more skin damage than I did. So, to blame cancers and skin damage on tanning salons is, in my opinion, unfair. We have no idea what these people with cancer did on their summer vacations.
Hi Tracie,
Thanks for commenting and thanks for a different perspective. You are right, there are plenty of teens that damage their skin from the natural sun. I am really glad to hear that there are tanning salons that educate the consumer.
Welcome to Imperfect Women.
To Tracie’s point, you close one door and people will just find another (unhealthy) way to get the same result. That said, I don’t believe in making it easy for young people to harm themselves.
I am kind of surprised that tanning salons are still in business. When my own teenager wanted a tan, she only asked if she could get a professional spray tan. The results were decent and we didn’t have to have anxiety about damage to her skin.
Isn’t there a provision in one of the versions of the health care bill to impose a tax on tanning salons? If that passes, I wonder how much their business will dwindle…