The Facts About Indoor Tanning

SAM Mission To assist the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation to carry out their mission: The early detection and prevention of skin cancer, especially melanoma, its deadliest form.

SAM Vision To be able to partner with SAM Clubs county and nationwide to further our mission and to stress the importance of sun safety and “no indoor tanning”.

“Lot’s of things were acceptable until we stopped accepting them”.

Attitudes Change QUESTION: What do cigarettes, drinking and driving and indoor tanning have in common? ANSWER: A Bad Ending

THE INDOOR TANNING INDUSTRY’S REVENUE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $4 BILLION. Who Tans Indoors? On an average day in the United States, more than 1 million people tan in tanning salons. One out of every three teens use a tanning bed. Nearly 70 percent of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and women, primarily aged 16 – 29 years. Nearly 28 million people tan indoors in the United States annually. Of these, 2.3 million are teens. THE INDOOR TANNING INDUSTRY’S REVENUE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $4 BILLION.

Risks of Indoor Tanning The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency of Research on Cancer panel has declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as TANNING BEDS and SUN LAMPS, as a known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Indoor tanning equipment emits UVA and UVB radiation. The amount of the radiations produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun, and in some cases, might be stronger. Studies have found a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning. Evidence from several studies has shown that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning damages the DNA in skin cells. Excessive exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning can lead to premature skin aging, immune suppression, and eye damage, including cataracts and ocular melanoma. Unfortunately, continued on the next slide!

Risks of Indoor Tanning 2 Frequent, intentional exposure to UV light may lead to an addiction to tanning. Indoor tanning beds/lamps should be avoided and should not be used to obtain vitamin D because UV radiation from indoor tanning is a risk factor for skin cancer. Vitamin D can be obtained by eating a healthy diet and by taking oral supplements. In a recent survey of adolescent tanning bed users, it was found that about 58% had burns due to frequent exposure to indoor tanning beds/lamps. Getting one or more sun burns before the age of 18 increases your chances of getting melanoma!

A List of Indoor Tanning Equipment All artificial light sources Tanning Beds Tanning Lamps Tanning Bulbs Tanning Booths

U.S. Surgeon General issues Legislation and News July 29, 2014 U.S. Surgeon General issues “Call to action” To prevent skin cancer

Legislation The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) estimates that there are about 3,000 hospital emergency room cases a year due to indoor tanning bed and lamp exposure. 11 states restrict indoor tanning use by minors, despite the call from the WHO to prohibit minors from indoor tanning because of the danger of skin cancer. On October 9, 2011, California became the first state in the nation to prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices for all children and adolescents under the age of 18. The FDA is considering modifying the classification of indoor tanning beds based on a hearing in March of 2010. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) opposes indoor tanning and supports a ban on the production and sale of indoor tanning equipment for non-medical purposes.

Report from The Committee on Energy & Commerce ”Indoor Tanning Industry’s False and Misleading Practices” February 1, 2012 This report, based on undercover interviews of tanning salon employees conducted by Committee investigators, finds that tanning salons target teenage girls with advertising and promotions, deny the risks of indoor tanning, provide false information on benefits of tanning, and fail to follow recommendations by the FDA on tanning frequency. The report found: Nearly all salons denied the known risks of tanning. 98% of salons stated that indoor tanning did not pose a health risk, while over half of the salons denied that indoor tanning would increase the risk of skin cancer. Nearly 80% of the salons asserted that indoor tanning would be beneficial to the health of a fair-skinned teenage girl. Several salons asserted that indoor tanning would prevent cancer.

Report from The Committee on Energy & Commerce Report findings continued Tanning salons downplay the health risks of indoor tanning. Salons stated that young people are not at risk for developing skin cancer; that rising rates of skin cancer are linked to increased use of sunscreen; that government regulations had certified the safety of indoor tanning; and that “it’s got to be safe, or else they wouldn’t let us do it.” Salons also frequently referred the investigator to industry websites that downplay indoor tanning’s bad health practices. Tanning salons target teenage girls in their advertisements. Print and online advertising to teenage and college-aged girls frequently offers student discounts and “prom”, “homecoming”, and “back-to-school” specials.

The Tanning Bed Pledge THE TANNING PLEDGE “I pledge not to go tanning prior to the prom or another school sponsored event/dance, which will be held on ______________, 2012. By this, I mean that I will not intentionally tan by lying out in the sun or using tanning beds. I realize that by getting a tan, I am sharply increasing my chances of developing melanoma, which can be FATAL if not caught in time. I have read the FACTS OF TANNING and understand the dangers of tanning beds and lying out in the sun.” Name _______________________________________ Date ______________________ Age (optional) ___________________ School (optional) ________________________________

How to Get The Word Out! Encourage teachers, nurses and all healthcare professionals to utilize the free SunSmart™ America curriculum and resources from our Foundation. Be present at Health Fairs in your area. Have a Melanoma Booth at any “race” or other highly attended event. Talk to the Parent Associations at your school or religious affiliations. Have Middle and High School students start a SAM Group (Students Against Melanoma). Make sure other health agencies in your community know you can speak about the prevention and early detection of melanoma. Have an event to raise awareness and funds to prevent melanoma. Teach children at the earliest age to practice sun safety techniques. Be a roll model and practice sun safety as a family and community! Show “Dear 16 Year Old Me” and post it on your social media accounts.

For More Information Please visit our website: www.melanomafoundation.com for: Skin cancer links Free online education and resources Events Volunteer opportunities Kids activities How to start a SAM (Students Against Melanoma) Group And more… Call our Executive Director, Lisa Richman at: 561-655-9655