FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 17, 1987


 FTC CHARGES MANUFACTURER OF SUNTANNING DEVICES FALSELY CLAIMED
   THAT ITS PRODUCTS DO NOT INCREASE THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER;
  CONSENT AGREEMENT PROHIBITS FALSE AND UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS


     The Federal Trade Commission has charged one of the
country's largest manufacturers of artificial tanning devices
with making false claims that its products do not pose the risk
of skin damage, including the risk of skin cancer.  A consent
agreement issued today for public comment prohibits Sun
Industries Inc. from misrepresenting the safety of its products.
     Sun Industries manufactures and sells tanning devices and
related products, including tanning beds, facial units, and
overhead lamp systems.  According to the FTC staff, Sun
Industries markets its products to tanning salons, health clubs,
and beauty salons as well as to individuals, primarily through
independent distributors located throughout the country.  It
markets its products under such trade names as SunTana SunSystem
and SunMate.
     In magazine, television and radio ads, as well as in promo
tional literature, Sun Industries made claims such as:  "Enjoy
the luxury and convenience of a proven and safe UVA tanning
system.  Other ads claim, "For efficient tanning year 'round
without the harmful side effects often associated with natural
sunlight."  In addition, the company claimed in some ads,
"There's no harsh glare, so no goggles or eye shades are
necessary."
     According to a complaint issued with the consent agreement,
these claims are false.  Specifically, according to the
complaint, Sun Industries falsely claimed in ads and promotional
materials:


     --  that its devices could be used without risking the
         harmful side effects associated with exposure to the
         sun, including the risk of developing skin cancer;

     --  that its devices could be used safely without eye
         protection; and

     --  that it had reliable scientific evidence for its claims.

     In addition, the complaint charges, Sun Industries acted
deceptively when it used such terms as "safe" and "no harmful
side effects," but failed to disclose the risk of eye injury and
the increased risk of skin cancer and skin aging.
     In fact, according to the complaint, use of Sun Industries'
products can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, its
devices cannot be used without the risk of any harmful side
effect associated with the sun, and they cannot be used safely
without protective eyewear.  The consent agreement prohibits the
company from misrepresenting that use of a tanning device does
not pose a risk of any harmful side effect to the user.

                             (More)
     The complaint charged that Sun Industries falsely claimed it
had a reasonable basis for its claims.  Under the consent agree
ment, the company must have reliable and competent scientific
evidence for any health or safety claim it makes in any
advertisement.
     For one year after the consent is made final, Sun Industries
must include the following statement in any ads and promotional
materials for its tanning devices, "NOTICE -- Read the mandatory
FDA warning label found on every tanning machine for important
information on potential eye injury, skin cancer, skin aging and
photosensitive reactions."  After the first year, the company
must include that statement in any ads that claim its tanning
device is safe or safer than other devices or other methods of
tanning, or that the device has health benefits.
     Sun Industries Inc. is based in Jonesboro, Ark.
     The consent agreement is scheduled to appear in the Federal
Register Dec. 23.  It will be subject to public comment until
Feb. 22, 1988, after which the Commission will decide whether to
make it final.
     Comments should be addressed to the Office of the Secretary,
FTC, 6th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.
     A consent agreement is for settlement purposes only and does
not constitute admission of a law violation.  When the Commission
issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of
law with respect to future actions.  Each violation of such an
order may result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000.
     Copies of the agreement, the complaint and an analysis of
the agreement are available from the FTC's Public Reference
Branch, Room 130, 6th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20580; 202-326-2222; TTY 202-326-2502.

                              # # #


MEDIA CONTACT:  Dee Ellison, Office of Public Affairs, 202-326-
     2177

STAFF CONTACT:  C. Lee Peeler, Bureau of Consumer Protection,
     202-326-3090

FTC File No. 852 3213

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