FTC Accuses Tanning Industry Group of Lying About Skin Cancer Risks

The Indoor Tanning Association has repeatedly lied to consumers about the increased risks of skin cancer from using indoor tanning beds, federal authorities said.

The Federal Trade Commission, the government agency responsible for keeping consumers safe from illegal and deceptive advertising, this week charged the tanning industry group with making false health and safety claims about indoor tanning in advertising campaigns.

Despite the association’s advertising claims of no such link, the FTC said medical studies have found that indoor tanning increases the risk of squamous cell and melanoma skin cancers. The Food and Drug Administration recently warned consumers about the risks from the so-called “fake bake.”

The tanning industry association, which represents tanning facilities and makers of tanning equipment, has agreed to settle the federal charges by refraining from engaging in further deceptive advertising, FTC officials said.

“The messages promoted by the indoor tanning industry fly in the face of scientific evidence,” said David C. Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The industry needs to do a better job of communicating the risks of tanning to consumers.”

Deceptive Ads Draw Federal Charges

The FTC charges stem from March 2008, when the association launched an advertising campaign designed to portray indoor tanning as safe and beneficial, the FTC said. The ad blitz included two national newspaper ads, television and video advertising, two Web sites, a communications guide, and point-of-sale materials that were provided to association members for distribution in local markets.

In addition to denying the skin cancer risks of tanning, the campaign allegedly also made false claims, including:

• Indoor tanning is approved by the government;

• Indoor tanning is safer than tanning outdoors because the amount of ultraviolet light received when tanning indoors is monitored and controlled;

• Research shows that vitamin D supplements may harm the body’s ability to fight disease; and

• A National Academy of Sciences study determined that “the risks of not getting enough ultraviolet light far outweigh the hypothetical risk of skin cancer.”

Tanning Group Agrees to Ad Changes

The FTC complaint also accused the association of failing to disclose material facts in its advertising.

In order the settle the federal charges, the association has agreed to stop making the misrepresentations challenged in the complaint, misrepresenting any tests or studies, and providing deceptive advertisements to members, according to an FTC news release on the charges and the settlement.

The settlement further requires that future association ads that make safety or health benefits claims for indoor tanning may not be misleading and must be substantiated and requires that certain future advertisements from the association contain disclosures.

Ads that make claims about the safety or health benefits of indoor tanning must clearly and prominently notice consumers that, “NOTICE: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation may increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer and can cause serious eye injury.”

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