Lack of laws limiting use of tanning
parlors puts teens at risk
Although both smoking and indoor tanning present increased risks of cancer, there are far fewer restrictions on teen tanning when compared to teen tobacco use, a new study from researchers at the CU Cancer Center published in the April Archives of Dermatology has found.

Robert Dellavalle, MD, PhD, assistant professor at the CU School of Medicine and co-author of the study, notes the $5-billion tanning salon industry counts more than 2.3-million United States teenagers among its customers.

Whereas tobacco purchasers in all 50 states must be 18 years of age, only three states have restrictions on youth tanning use, despite widely accepted evidence that youth is the most critical period for UV exposure, elevating skin cancer risk.

“While teens may seek indoor tanning because tanned skin is portrayed socially as beautiful and healthy, they are putting themselves at risk for serious health problems,” Dr. Dellavalle said. “Indoor tanning equipment may cause burns, immune system suppression, drug- and cosmetic-induced photosensitivity and an increased melanoma risk.”

While the purchase of tobacco products by minors is heavily restricted, attempts to limit youth access to tanning beds have been unsuccessful, the study found.

Laws limiting teen tobacco use have proven to reduce teen smoking by up to 40 percent. If indoor tanning restrictions were implemented, they might prove even more effective, the study’s authors concluded.

“Many teen smokers obtain cigarettes from parents, friends or by theft,” Dr. Dellavalle said. “However, these options do not exist for indoor tanning. There is significantly more time and interaction between vendor and buyer, which leaves both parties involved with an indoor tanning transaction more exposed to law enforcement.”

The study cites several possible explanations for why there are so few youth access laws for indoor tanning.
One is that the tanning industry has no standard on a minimum age for tanning. Another example is that unlike cigarettes, there is no U.S. Surgeon General warning on the hazards of indoor tanning. Additionally, the study found enforcement decisions of youth access laws are made on a case-by-case basis, and enforcement decisions are generally not publicly reported.

Dr. Dellavalle notes that as the prevalence of skin cancer continues to rise, it is important to consider modeling indoor tanning laws on tobacco laws.

According to the Colorado Cancer Coalition, skin cancer (including squamous cell, basal cell and malignant melanoma) is the most common form of new cancer in the United Sates, accounting for nearly one-third of all new cancer cases. Data indicate that non-melanoma skin cancer is related to cumulative UV exposure. The development of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is associated with exposure to high-intensity UV radiation or exposure to solar radiation at a young age.

“Limiting minors’ access to tanning salons will serve as a small but important step toward reversing the rising tide of skin cancer and other UV radiation-associated diseases,” he said.

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