The cancer risks of tanning are real – concludes the World Health Organization (WHO). The result of the findings is the possible move by the FDA to ban people under the age of 18 from using tanning beds.
MSNBC reports that an advisory panel for the Food and Drug Administration recommended that stricter regulations be put on artificial tanning. The proposal suggests necessitating parental consent or banning the use of the machines by teens altogether.
This move is not surprising since the World Health Organization found that the likely-hood of the deadliest forms of skin cancer increase 75 percent in people up to the age of 20 who use tanning beds. Interestingly enough, even with these staggering findings, tanning beds are rated “low-risk” devices. This puts them on the same level as bandages and tongue depressors. For a more precise description of the ultraviolet radiation that tanning beds emit and their effects, read this article by the World Health Organization.
What adds to the worry of some is that despite their knowledge of the risks involved, between 40 and 60 percent of teenagers surveyed went artificially tanning in the past year. This has further perpetuated peoples desire to force restrictions. While many states already have regulations on their tanning bed usage, the move by the FDA would be applied nationally. It would also require companies to provide clearer warnings of the dangers and change how they regulate their usage.
The opposition to these findings is none other than the lobbyists for these tanning companies. They have gone so far as to tout the health benefits of tanning. This resulted in being charged by the Federal Trade Commission with making false claims. Not only that, they have also been slapped with a 10% tax made official by the health overhaul recently instated.
Do you think it is okay for regulations to be put on these devices? Or, do you think it is on the teens and parents to take responsibility into their own hands?
If this has you worried, find peace of mind and become informed by easily finding and talking to a dermatologist in your area with PriceDoc.
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