FOR YOUR INFORMATION.......................September 28, 1988



     Indoor tanning devices are not risk-free, and can cause eye
injury, premature skin aging and wrinkling, and increased cancer
risk, according to a new Federal Trade Commission factsheet.  The
factsheet gives consumers information on how indoor tanning
devices work, and why the same health risks are associated with
both outdoor and indoor tanning.

     According to the factsheet, the most popular device used in
tanning salons is a clamshell-like tanning bed that emits mostly
longwave (UVA) light sources.  Despite some advertising claims to
the contrary, these UVA rays can be harmful to the skin because
they penetrate so deeply.

     The factsheet suggests that some claims commonly made about
indoor tanning are misleading.

     --   False claim #1:  "You can achieve a deep year-round tan
with gentle, comfortable, and safe UVA light."  In fact, accord-
ing to the factsheet, some of this light can burn the outer layer
of the skin while other types can weaken the skin's inner connec-
tive tissue.  Long-term exposure can contribute to the risk of
various kinds of skin cancer.

     --   False claim #2:  "No harsh glare, so no goggles or eye
shades are necessary."  In fact, the factsheet states, studies
show that too much exposure to ultraviolet rays, including UVA
rays, can damage the retina, causing cataracts or blindness.  The
Food and Drug Administration requires tanning salons to direct
all customers to wear protective eye goggles.

     The fact sheet recommends that if consumers do choose to
tan, it is important that they limit their exposure to avoid
burning.  If consumers tan with a device, they should find out
the recommended exposure limits for their type of skin, since
exposure time affects burning.  In addition, it is important to
use eye protection, since UVA light is more intense and there-
fore potentially more damaging than that found in sunlight.



                             (More)
„Copies of the factsheet, titled "Indoor Tanning," 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:  Toby Levin, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 
                202-326-3156

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