Your article about the federal tan tax addressed the concerns of small-business owners, but it did not convey the compelling, irrefutable scientific evidence that shows the use of indoor tanning beds can increase the risk for skin cancer.
Dermatologists are particularly alarmed about the impact of indoor tanning on young women. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is increasing faster in young women than in young men, and women are far more likely to use indoor tanning beds.
Indoor tanning is associated with a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma. Melanoma is now the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and is the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15 to 29 years old.
Our goal is to protect the public from the known dangers of UV radiation. The indoor tanning tax is an important step in reducing the use of indoor tanning and can ultimately prevent future skin cancers.
Current scientific belief indicates that spray-on and mist tans are not harmful. Small-business owners can offer a different type of tanning service that is not harmful, and many of them already do.
