Indoor Tanning Tax Sends Strong Health Message: Indoor Tanning Is Unsafe

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Jun 30, 2011, 11:02 ET

One year later, American Academy of Dermatology Association Urges Congress to Keep Tax in Place

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Dermatology Association (Academy) opposes recent legislation to repeal the federal 10 percent indoor tanning tax. Countless scientific studies continue to demonstrate clear and compelling evidence that tanning bed use increases the risk of developing all forms of skin cancer. Tomorrow, July 1, is the one-year anniversary of the tax that addresses the serious public health risks associated with indoor tanning.

"The indoor tanning tax sends a clear message to Americans, especially young people, that tanning is a dangerous activity and that a tan is not a sign of good health," said dermatologist Ronald L. Moy, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association. "As the medical doctors who treat more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer in America every year, dermatologists are focused on increasing awareness of and protecting the public from the known skin cancer risks associated with UV radiation from indoor tanning."

However, in recent weeks, there have been two bills introduced in the U.S. House and Senate to repeal the tax on tanning bed services. "The Academy is disappointed that the proposed repeal legislation ignores the serious public health impact of indoor tanning and the dramatic rise of skin cancer in young women," said Dr. Moy.

Indoor tanning is associated with a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma incidence rates have been increasing for at least 30 years and melanoma is increasing faster in young women (15-29 years old) than in young men in the same age group – and a major difference in behavior is that women are more likely to use indoor tanning beds.

"The skin cancer risk inherent in tanning bed use cannot be ignored and similar to the tobacco tax, the indoor tanning tax appropriately reflects the cancer-causing effects of indoor tanning," stated Dr. Moy. "It is the hope of the Academy that the current federal tax on this activity remains in place as a deterrent to this harmful behavior."

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology