October 13, 2006 -- Many Teens Use Tanning Devices Despite Warnings
Almost 10 percent of females ages 14-17 told a national health survey that they use tanning devices such as sunlamps and tanning beds, even though the World Health Organization has warned against the use of such devices by persons under 18 because of the risk of skin cancer. The National Health Interview Survey found girls seven times more likely than boys in the same age group to use artificial tanning, but in both groups, usage increased with age, peaking at age 17. In announcing the survey findings today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention repeated an earlier recommendation that schools should advise students of the dangers of artificial tanning devices as part of programs to prevent skin cancer. The results of the National Health Interview Study are available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm.
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