Indoor tanning has always been one of the popular method of tanning because of its availability and effectiveness in no time. Due to this fact, there has always been a concern that not enough people know about the risk involved. There was, however, a moment of relief in the communities involved in health and scientific reseach, when a study showed the use of indoor tanning is on the decline. The study was carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute.
Between 2010 and 2013, the percentage of adults using indoor tanning beds fell from 5.5 percent to 4.2 percent between 2010 and 2013, shows the research report. The figures confirm that two million fewer people are tanning themselves artificially using devices.
There has been a concern that not enough people are fully aware of the risks involved in using tanning beds and other tanning devices. The common perception is that tanning beds are safer than sunbathing, but according Gery P. Guy Jr., a health economist at the CDC in Atlanta, strongly challenges this theory and claims there is no evidence to support this idea.
“Exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning is much more intense than the UV exposure from being outdoors in the sun,” Guy suggested. “An important point that can be overlooked when it comes to tanning is that a tan is temporary but the risk for skin cancer is permanent.”
The data was extracted from nearly 60,000 participants in the 2010 and 2013 National Health Interview Surveys reported in JAMA Dermatology.
Although the usage of tanning devices are in decline, the study also manages to throw light over the fact that an estimated 7.8 million women and 1.9 million men still engage in this activity.
Along with an overall decrease of tanning bed use, the researchers have also found out that rates among young adults ages 18 to 29 dropped from 11.3 percent in 2010 to 8.6 percent in 2013. People in this age group still accounted for the most tanning bed use, however.
Guy also emphasised the importance of not only making sure everyone knows about the danger but are also encouraged to avoid indoor tanning and behavioral counseling is recommended for those with fair skin, aged 10-24, about minimizing UV exposure to reduce skin cancer risk.
“Appearance-focused behavioral interventions stressing that indoor tanning can cause premature wrinkles and age spots have been shown to be effective in reducing indoor tanning,” Guy added to support his opinion. “Colleges can discourage indoor tanning and restrict its use on campus.”
According to Dr. Deborah S. Sarnoff, the senior vice-president of Skin Cancer Foundation, the most practical and efficient way of tackling the problem is to impose a nationwide ban. She believes a ban would go a long way toward curbing this dangerous, potentially deadly behaviour, Deborah also added that the Skin Cancer Foundation wholeheartedly supports anti-tanning legislation at both the state and federal levels.
