In our opinion: Clarify risks of tanning

In American culture, tanned, toned human bodies are considered the picture of health. Tanning is a less than healthy pursuit, however, particularly among youths who use tanning beds in their teens and 20s. An analysis of numerous studies on the risk of using tanning beds by youths indicates that their risk of someday developing melanoma goes up 75 percent. Melanoma killed about 8,650 people last year. Some 69,000 cases were diagnosed last year alone.

Recognizing the dangers to youths, the Utah Legislature in 2007 passed a law that requires people 18 and younger to obtain parental consent to tan in a commercial tanning salon. Parents can authorize a specified number of visits for their teens up to a 12-month period.

Now, the Food and Drug Administration is considering stricter tanning bed regulations, which could mean more prominent warning labels on tanning beds, including language that better conveys their risk. The FDA is also considering reclassification of the devices. They presently are considered Class I devices, a category of low risk medical products that include bandages.

According to press reports, the tanning bed industry says there is no new science to justify increased FDA regulation. But the death toll from skin cancer makes a compelling case for stricter warnings and regulations. The growing scientific consensus is there's no such thing as a safe tan. Ultraviolet ray exposure is also linked to basal and squamous cell carcinomas, which affect more than 1 million Americans each year. They're easily removed but still lead to the deaths of some 2,000 a year, according to the American Cancer Society. Meanwhile, melanoma kills four times as many Americans each year.

In March, the FDA will conduct a public hearing on the issue. It is doubtful that stricter warning labels will scare off regular patrons of tanning salons. But like any other substance or activity that has the potential to cause cancer, users deserve the benefit of that knowledge. Perhaps they will make a different choice, such as a spray-on tan, or will spend time outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon when UV rays penetrate less.

This information would be particularly helpful to American youths, some of whom do not have the benefit of a state law to help them protect their health. Fortunately, Utah led out in this regard.