Despite the overwhelming body of scientific study that has shown a causal relationship between indoor tanning and skin cancer, the indoor tanning industry is fighting back with an argument that our country's Bill of Rights should be expanded to include the "right to tan."
Studies last summer reported that “…international cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, deeming them as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas.”
Indoor tanning before age 30 has been associated with a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, according to a review of medical literature last summer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization.
Today, two US reps introduced the "Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act."
According to the International Smart Tan Alliance (ISTA), "The bill is yet another attempt by the AADA and cosmetics industry at dismantling the indoor tanning industry for their own benefit." So ISTA believes that it's cosmetics companies, not UV rays, that are causing cancer.
The following news release from the ISTA came through my Google alert
Jan 26, 2010 08:30 ET
Opposing Statement to Rep. Carolyn Maloney Tanning Bed Bill Available to Media
Indoor Tanning Industry Spokesperson Available for Comment to the Media Highlighted Links
Smart Tan
JACKSON, MI--(Marketwire - January 26, 2010) -
WHAT: U.S. Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Charles Dent (R-PA) are introducing legislation called the Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act on Tuesday, January 26, 2010.
WHO: Joe Levy, Vice President of the International Smart Tan Alliance -- the voice of the indoor tanning market
QUOTES: The following statements can be attributed to Joe Levy, Vice President of the International Smart Tan Network, and utilized by the media. "In creating this bill Rep. Maloney and Dent have been duped by the cosmetics industry, chosen to ignore the latest research on UV light and have sided with cosmetic companies who seek to keep all of America out of the sun and covered with sun screen.
"At the Vitamin D Conference in Toronto last fall, doctors reported that the sun scare message is the primary source of America's epidemic Vitamin D deficiency which is linked to the increased risk of 105 different diseases including heart disease, MS, and 30 types of deadly cancer including colon and breast cancer.
"Dermatologists use the same tanning equipment in their offices and regularly prescribe UV light treatment to patients to treat cosmetic conditions such as Psoriasis. The bill is yet another attempt by the AADA and cosmetics industry at dismantling the indoor tanning industry for their own benefit.
"The indoor tanning industry supports 20,000 businesses, employs more than 190,000 people and services more than 30 million customers each year. Salon owners and customers have sent hundreds of post cards and petitions to Rep. Maloney's office in support of indoor tanning and sought to meet with her to voice their opinion on the topic. Reps. Maloney and Dent have chosen to ignore their constituents and the millions who support the right to tan.
"The indoor tanning industry has been working with the FDA for the last 10 years on appropriate regulations and self-regulation. There is no need for more regulations on this industry or U.S. citizens; it is a redundant bill that is a waste of taxpayer's time and money."
WHEN: Availability upon request, please contact Lotus Public Relations to schedule an interview with Joe Levy, VP International Smart Tan Network
About The International Smart Tan Network
The International Smart Tan Network (Smart Tan) was founded in 1985 to provide information and support to indoor tanning businesses in North America. In 1996, Smart Tan became a membership organization serving the indoor tanning retailers and now has more than 3,000 members representing over 6,000 professional tanning businesses. Smart Tan provides educational information and training to salon owners and employees to help encourage
professionalism in all aspects of operation. Smart Tan's technical and service-based training helps member businesses service the needs of the 21st century indoor tanning community. For more about Smart Tan, visit
www.smarttan.com
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