Tanning beds pose a substantial risk to its die-hard tan-fans, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). On Wednesday (today), tanning beds were elevated to the highest cancer risk category available. This is a huge leap since 1992, when the fake bake beds were listed as a "probable" cancer agent. Vincent Cogliano, an IARC researcher clearly states, "the use of sunbeds is carcinogenic to humans. It causes melanoma of the skin, and melanoma of the eye." He goes on to say, "a tan is not a sign of good health, it is a sign of damaged skin." According to this study, melanoma, (the most lethal form of skin cancer), increases by 75% when the use of a tanning bed begins before the age of 30. Doctors have welcomed this warning and have called for tighter regulations for the multi-billion dollar industry. Knowing the risks, it is just plain common sense to find your tan in a bottle.
