Attorney General of New York Letitia James Resources

New York State Office of the Attorney Health Care Bureau The Capitol Albany, NY 12224 (800) 771-7755 ag.ny.gov

New York State Health Department Dear New Yorkers, health.ny.gov/environmental To many people, indoor tanning seems like /indoors/tanning a harmless activity. It’s not. Each session increases your risk of skin cancer and US Food and Drug Adminstration contributes to premature aging, fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/ eye damage, allergic reactions and more. radiation-emitting-products-and- procedures/tanning There are many myths and misconceptions concerning the safety of “tanning,” American Academy of Dermatology many of them perpetrated by the indoor tanning salon industry. If you engage in aad.org/awareness-dangers-tanning Indoor indoor tanning or are thinking about it, it’s important to make sure you know the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Tanning significant associated health risks. cdc.gov This brochure outlines the facts about indoor tanning to help you make more The following leading national informed decisions about taking these orgaizations recognize the hight cancer risks. We have also provided links to more risk associated with indoor tanning: information. Know the Risks, It’s important to be well informed about American Academy of Dermatology Know the Facts all consumer and health decisions. If you American Academy of Ophthalmology would like to know more about these or American Academy of Pediatrics any other issues, please go to our website American Cancer Society at ag.ny.gov. American Medical Association Center for Disease Control and Sincerely, New York State Office Prevention of the Attorney General Letitia James Indoor Tanning: Know The Risks Tanning and Minors: The Law Know The Facts: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of energy Teenage girls and young women are often from natural or artificial sunlight. Excess UV targeted by advertising that promotes indoor “Indoor tanning is less dangerous” FALSE radiation can damage the DNA in your skin and tanning as safe. Research clearly demonstrates Some people argue that indoor tanning is less increase the production of the skin pigment that the earlier an individual indoor tans, the dangerous than outdoor tanning because the melanin, which causes your skin to change color. greater the risk for skin cancer in later years. The intensity of the light and the time spent tanning are Here are some of the serious, identified risks: American Academy of Pediatrics even states, controlled. The truth is: “Tanning salons are not safe and should not be • UV output of tanning devices is much greater • Melanoma skin cancer — Using tanning used by teenagers or others.” — up to 15 times greater — than natural sunlight beds before age 35 can result in an estimated and the bulbs are very close to your skin; 59% greater risk of developing this sometimes New York State Public Health Law prohibits persons • Not all tanning devices emit the same amount deadly skin cancer. Melanoma is a common under age seventeen from using UV tanning of UV radiation, so exposure is inconsistent and cancer in young people. devices. It also requires that persons seventeen not as controlled as advertised; The World Health Organization has placed years of age have a parent or legal guardian sign • Tanning salon operators are not typically • health care professionals and lack the training indoor tanning in its highest cancer risk a consent form before using them. Those eighteen and knowledge associated with UV over category, “carcinogenic to humans,” the or older must provide a driver’s license or other government or school issued photo identification exposure. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers same category as tobacco; for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,800 before using UV radiation devices. injuries requiring visits to the emergency room • Premature aging (“photoaging”) can cause are attributed to UV radiation from tanning the skin to look leathery and wrinkled, and beds each year. can result in dark spots forming on the skin; Take Precautions if Taking the Risk “Indoor tanning is a safe way FALSE • Burns and injury to the skin and eyes; to acquire vitamin D.” People who choose to expose themselves to UV • Allergic reactions; radiation from indoor tanning and ignore the Scientific studies have proven that most people receive enough vitamin D from food and natural health warnings associated with this dangerous • Immune suppression. sunlight. If additional vitamin D is needed, a activity should take certain safety precautions, supplement containing vitamin D corrects this including: deficiency safely, without the UV exposure risk Additional Factors Can Increase associated with cancer. These Risks 1. Wear FDA-certified protective goggles provided at no charge by the tanning salon, “A prevacation — or ‘base’ — tan FALSE • Light complexions that burn easily; making sure they fit snugly and are not cracked; protects you from getting a sunburn.” The truth is that indoor tans provide a sun Family member who has had skin cancer; • 2. Follow manufacturer-recommended protection factor (SPF) of 3, which is way below the generally recommended 30 SPF to protect against Teenagers and younger — indoor tanning at exposure times for your skin type (and do not • exceed your prescribed time limit); sunburns. So, not only are prevacation tanners young ages increases risk later in life; exposed to UV radiation at indoor tanning salons prior to their trip, they also are not protected from • Immune deficiencies, chronic diseases, and 3. Seek immediate medical attention for severe sunburns while they are vacationing. The U.S. Food certain medications may make you more burns, allergic reactions and unusual skin and Drug Administration has found no evidence sensitive to UV radiation. lesions or sores. that getting a “base tan” reduces the risk of skin cancer.