According to a recent article in the April issue of Archives of Dermatology, almost 50% of high schools in the Denver area are printing tanning advertisements in their newspapers. Tanning advertisements have been found in newspapers of almost 11 of the 23 schools. In all, there were about 40 tanning advertisements, 15 of whom did speak of unlimited tanning offers for periods of up to four months.
The article carries related information about the ultraviolet (UV) radiation that is used in tanning parlors, which is a classified carcinogen. Tanning is fast gaining popularity amongst the teen girls and perhaps this explains why there is a high incidence of skin cancer among young women.According to recommendations from The World Health Organization, those who are younger than age 18 are advised not to use UV tanning devices. To quote the authors words "The escalating cost of treating skin cancers mandates a public health policy response. The banning of youth-directed advertising of other carcinogens, namely tobacco, provides a model for public policy response. Further advocacy of legislative restrictions on tanning marketing to adolescents should be adopted.
