Despite proven evidence that tanning booths cause skin cancer, which is on the rise in the late teenage group, local businesses continue to promote tanning bed specials aimed at young prom going women.
Promoting something that can cause a deadly disease is unconscionable.
As a survivor of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, I grew up before tanning beds were available but spent every hour possible “working on my tan” poolside or on a lake. It was fashionable to be tan and there was no link to the danger of cancer at the time.
Now we know the cancer danger. Please ignore these commercial efforts to promote an unhealthy practice. There are make-ups and sunless tanning lotions that provide the same look. Parents, warn your children.
I believe it is legal for teens under 18 to tan. This law could be changed.
We don’t sell teens cancer causing cigarettes.
Long ago women wore sunbonnets and carried sun umbrellas because tan implied working outside. Then the tan became a symbol of those with time to sun themselves year round, going to warm climates in winter.
Now we know the hazards. Sun breaks down collagen and causes early wrinkles too. Please ignore this advertising and avoid tanning beds and warn young women.
Mary-Beth Kuester
Clintonville