Scientific and regulatory issues related to indoor tanning

Do adolescent indoor tanners exhibit dependency?

“…11 Investigations of the association between indoor tanning and the development of melanoma have been hampered by methodological limitations and the inclusion of older, lower UVA-emitting devices. [12][13][14] A recent study in Sweden has presented the strongest evidence to date that indoor tanning increases the risk of melanoma, particularly if initiated at a younger age. 15 This study adds weight to the growing body of evidence that suggests that modern indoor tanning is a risk factor for carcinogenesis.…”

Ultraviolet Protection Behaviors and Beliefs Among Young Adult Dermatology Patients

“…Similar associations have been demonstrated between each of the three main forms of skin cancer and artificial UV radiation sources, such as tanning beds (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004;Gallagher, Spinelli, & Lee, 2005;Karagas et al, 2002;Levine, Sorace, Spencer, & Siegel, 2005;Lim et al, 2004;Westerdahl, Ingvar, Masback, Jonsson, & Olsson, 2000). On the basis of this evidence, several national organizations currently recommend the use of the UV protection measures listed in Table 1 (American Cancer Society, 2007; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004).…”

“…Because of recent efforts to strengthen UV protection education for adults in the United States, adults 35 years and older appear to be changing their UV protection behaviors for the better, whereas unprotected exposure to UV radiation in young adults has actually been increasing (Lim et al, 2004; American Academy of Dermatology, 2003). More specifically, between 1996 and 2003, the rate of sunscreen use (the most commonly used form of UV protection) decreased 15% for those younger than 25 years, bringing the rate of sunscreen use down to 34% (Lim et al, 2004;American Academy of Dermatology, 2003).…”

“…More specifically, between 1996 and 2003, the rate of sunscreen use (the most commonly used form of UV protection) decreased 15% for those younger than 25 years, bringing the rate of sunscreen use down to 34% (Lim et al, 2004;American Academy of Dermatology, 2003). In addition, tanning salon use in those younger than 25 years increased from 8% in 1996 to 26% in 2003 (Lim et al, 2004).…”

Sunlight, tanning booths, and vitamin D

“…72,73 At the time of this writing, 22 states have adopted some form of age limits on indoor tanning, of which only California, Illinois, and Wisconsin have absolute bans in effect for children under a certain age (14,14, and 16 years, respectively). 82,83 Age limits enacted by the federal and state legislatures have reduced smoking and alcohol consumption by minors. The success of these age limits, and the known adverse health effects observed in tobacco, alcohol, and indoor tanning use provide a compelling precedent for establishing a national age limit for access to indoor tanning parlors and the use of sunlamps.…”