Number of Tanning Facilities Growing Rapidly in South Florida

 

 

 

Living in the sunshine state, we are constantly exposed to the harsh rays of the sun.  It can be difficult to practice sun safety precautions to avoid the dangers of the sun, just on a daily basis.  However, even with all the sun Floridians receive, the number of indoor tanning beds continues to increase dramatically.  Shockingly, there are more facilities licensed for indoor tanning than McDonald’s fast food restaurants in Florida!  Numerous studies have demonstrated the increase in melanoma cases, yet the number of tanning facilities continues to increase.  These tanning facilities are often specifically marketed to college students.  Research continues to demonstrate the danger of tanning beds, with a study from2012 estimating indoor tanning results in 170,000 cases of skin cancer in the US alone!  People who use tanning beds are 67% more likely to develop squamous cell cancer and 25% more likely to develop basal cell cancer.  Tanning beds present an even larger cancer risk for people under the age of 25.  Just one indoor tanning session greatly increases a person’s risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer.  Many states have passed legislation banning indoor tanning for minors.  However, Florida has lagged behind on this effort.  With this alarming increase in skin cancer rates and indoor tanning facilities, it is imperative people are aware of the dangers even one indoor tanning session represents.