UV Tanning Beds Subject to Greater Legal Scrutiny
As a tanning industry professional, you know that indoor tanning with UV radiation lamps has been linked to melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, molecular damage associated with skin cancer and other damage to eyes and skin. But did you know that state legislatures are considering—or have already passed—laws imposing tighter restrictions on indoor UV tanning facilities?
Most cities around the country require some form of licensure for tanning businesses. But in the last several years, 28 states have enacted laws intended to reduce the risks associated with UV tanning to consumers. The main group this legislation seeks to protect are teenage girls: one nationwide survey has found that approximately 40% of 17 to 18-year-old girls had used indoor tanning in the past year.
Many salons feature “all-you-can-tan” discount package specials to encourage clients to use their tanning beds. Because most people—and especially young
girls—believe that bronzed skin makes them more attractive, these specials are quite popular. The allure of a golden tan trumps health considerations just as the promise of easy profits eclipses ethical considerations among some tanning salon owners.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that not all cities and states where legislation regulating indoor tanning facilities exist are necessarily upholding the laws. In 22 of the 28 major cities studied, 68% inspected indoor tanning facilities for compliance with state law. Another 32% conducting inspections less than once a year. Six cities had no licensure for tanning salons.
The laws governing indoor tanning may not be strictly enforced or even exist in some parts of the United States. But that may change as incidences of tanning bed-caused skin cancer, especially among the very young, continue to receive media attention. All laws aside, there’s still an ethics problem underlying UV tanning bed marketing: it may not be illegal to sell time in a tanning bed, but that bed may cause someone skin cancer.
New Gorgeous sunless tanning products contain DHA and are made from pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. They are also certified cruelty-free by PETA. So not only do they provide beautiful, and natural-looking color, they also are good for the skin and not damaging to animals. Better still, salons that use our solutions for airbrush tanning have to worry about whether they are endangering their clients’ health or putting themselves at risk for possible citations or other legal mishaps. So if you’re an owner who hasn’t made the switch to non-UV radiation methods, now’s the time! New Gorgeous Spray Tanning products are good for everyone, including your salon!
Call New Gorgeous at 888-536-8267 for free information about how to ue sunless tanning products for your success!
