The trouble with tanning

0 Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2009

Tanning beds are a fact of many people's lives, particularly young women who want that sun-kissed look through the winter or before the prom. For some, tanning approaches an addiction. And, until now, it has been easy to minimize the potential skin-cancer risks. Not only are young people more prone to believe they are invulnerable, but the tanning-bed industry has for years promoted misleading claims of health benefits.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization issued a report that should put such disinformation to rest: After reviewing several studies, it has concluded that tanning beds belong in the highest cancer risk category, the same one as tobacco.

Despite mounting evidence linking tanning beds and cancer, the Indoor Tanning Association, which represents...