Indoor Tanning Tax Imposed
Author: American Academy of Dermatology
Published: 2011/07/01 - Updated: 2025/03/17
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Melanoma Skin Cancer - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: Indoor tanning tax addresses health risks by deterring tanning bed use, linked to a 75% increased melanoma risk - a tan is not a sign of good health.
Why it matters: This report, authored by the American Academy of Dermatology, discusses the implementation of a federal 10 percent tax on indoor tanning services, highlighting its role in addressing public health risks associated with tanning bed use. The report emphasizes that numerous scientific studies have demonstrated a clear and compelling link between tanning bed use and an increased risk of all forms of skin cancer, including a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer. The tax serves as a deterrent, particularly targeting young people, to discourage the dangerous activity of indoor tanning and to challenge the misconception that a tan signifies good health. - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (Academy) opposes recent legislation to repeal the federal 10 percent indoor tanning tax. One year later, American Academy of Dermatology Association Urges Congress to Keep Tax in Place.
Main Item
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."
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The introduction of the indoor tanning tax represents a crucial public health measure aimed at reducing the incidence of skin cancer linked to tanning bed use. By imposing this tax, policymakers acknowledge the severe health risks associated with artificial tanning and take a proactive step toward safeguarding public health, especially among the youth who are disproportionately affected. Here's the bottom line: indoor tanning isn't worth the gamble. The evidence is stacked high - those UV rays blasting from tanning beds are a straight shot to skin cancer, and the stats don't lie. Sure, the tan might look good for a minute, but the price could be years off your life or a brutal fight with melanoma. This isn't about scaring anyone; it's about facing facts. We've got better options - self-tanners, a decent hat, or just owning your natural shade. Let's quit pretending this is a gray area and start treating tanning beds like the outdated health trap they are. - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American Academy of Dermatology and published on 2011/07/01, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, American Academy of Dermatology can be contacted at aad.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.