The Risks of Indoor Tanning | Health

The American Academy of Dermatology is asking the government to act on what it calls the "false claims" of indoor tanning salons. The group says a recent investigation found that nearly all tanning salons contacted denied the known health risks and that 4 out of 5 falsely claimed tanning is beneficial to a young person's health.

Mayo Clinic Dermatologists say skin caner isn't the only risk.

     "Firstly you get immune suppression and we don't want to suprress our immue system because it has a function and a purpose to keeping us healthy on a day to day basis, " said Dr. Dawn Davis. "Also tanning bed use propagates and increases the risk of getting cataracts in your eyes. And not only does it increase your risk of getting skin melanoma, but it also increases your risk of getting ocular melanoma, or melanomas of the eyes."

The Indoor Tanning Association says the statements attributed to tanning salon employees in the report are inconsistent with tanning industry standards and how ITA members are encouraged to train their staffs.

You can see the results of the congressional investigation into the tanning salon industry here: http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?q=news/new-report-reveals-indoor-tanning-industry-s-false-and-misleading-practices

And the ITA's response to the investigation is here: http://www.theita.com/?page=Press_Releases