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Tanning Beds Branded a Top Cancer Risk

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 29, 2009 1:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – Tanning beds have been upgraded from a probable carcinogen to a definite cause of cancer by World Health Organization experts, Newsday reports. The scientists analyzed over 20 studies and promptly moved the beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into their top category of cancer risks. They concluded that using tanning beds before age 30 raises a person's skin cancer risk by 75%.

"People need to be reminded of the risks of sunbeds," said an agency cancer expert. "We hope the prevailing culture will change so teens don't think they need to use sunbeds to get a tan." Execs from the tanning industry downplayed the findings, stressing that most sunbed customers use them responsibly and that sunlight has also been proven to cause cancer.

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An estimated 27 million Americans use tanning salons. (PRNewsFoto/ETS Tan LLC)

Rosie McDavid, 17, who has been using tanning beds since she was 14, prepares a tanning bed for a session. The WHO warns that young people should avoid use tanning beds. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

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They basically summarized all known data on UV radiation and risk for skin cancer in both humans and animals, and their conclusion should be taken very, very seriously. - Dr. Colette Pameijer, a cancer surgeon at Stony Brook University Medical Center

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 11 comments

Mad

Jul 30, 2009 5:06 AM CDT

There is no such thing as a 'healthy' tan. Period. Tanned skin is skin that has been damaged by radiation

DeniseVB

Jul 29, 2009 12:55 PM CDT

I think common sense rules here. Afterall, aren't tanning beds using the same "rays" as that sunny beach?

Timinator2K

Jul 29, 2009 12:47 PM CDT

I'm sure the tanning bed industry leaves out the small fact that, over time and repeated tanning sessions, one's skin retains the same suppleness and vitality as a worn leather saddle bag. I'M CATCHING A WHIFF OF A NEW AND LUCRATIVE AREA FOR LITIGATION LAWYERS TO GROW RICHER IN.

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Health

cancer • skin cancer • carcinogens • melanoma • tanning • World Health Organization • ultraviolet light

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