Tanning Beds
However, the effects on our wonderful skin (which you may not know is the biggest organ in your body) are more unclear.
The argument is so aggressive pro and anti tanning beds that I don't know where to begin. Tanning beds are a multi billion dollar industry so manufacturers and tan shops don't take criticism quietly and of course their motivations are questionable. On the other side the Skin Tanning Association are absolutely in favour of banning tan shops.
Tanning Beds Industry vs Skin Tanning Association
Key arguments by Tanning Beds Industry:
1. The benefits of using tanning beds outweighs the risks of sunburn and over exposurure.2. Non melanoma skin cancer has a low death rate.
3. Exposure to sunlight can help other illnesses such as colon cancers, hypertension and diabetes.
4. A "Sun Scare Coalition" has been formed by pharmaceutical companies who sell sunscreens is promoting a misinformed campaign of sun abstinence. The tanning bed industry which is operated by smaller companies cannot compete with their marketing.
My opinion of these arguments
A very weak set of arguments that do not convince me that using tanning beds is safe. Argument 4 is particularly odd - "Sun Scare Coalition" - what a load of rubbish. They honestly think the tanning beds industry is the victim of one big ad campaign?This is hysterical! If they are so sure of the safety of tanning beds then I think they should offer a guarantee to customers that if they develop skin cancer then they will pay for their treatment.
Key arguments by Skin Cancer Association.
1. Women who used tanning beds ten times or more a year had seven times greater incidence of skin cancer than women who did not use them. The American Cancer Society reports that in 2007 there will be 60,000 new cases of skin cancer in the United States alone.2. Safety requirements are not followed by tan shops with tanning beds and tan shops frequently exceed "safe" UV limits.
3. By banning tanning beds millions of lives would be saved. Dr. Franzblau believes that eliminating tan shops "would be 100 percent more effective" than regulating them.
4. Manufacturers of tanning beds mislead the public with their pro tanning claims. Example one is that you need lots of sun rays to produce enough vitamin D. This is not necessary if your diet is adequate. Example two is that you need to tan to 'prepare your skin' before a holiday. This is nonsense!
My opinion of these arguments
So these seem a bit more scientific and believable to be honest. I didn't realize there were so many suffers of skin cancer? I suspect Point 2 is accurate as staff in my tan shop were always promoting new 'stronger' tanning beds, like it is good news.I wonder if banning tanning beds would lead to 'backstreet' tanning beds without regulation though? What do you think?
Kelly England ++
Comments to date: 1. This is page 1 of 1.
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MELYS NOT AT SCHOOL | Posted at 3:51pm on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 |
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