Federal Tanning Tax Imposed - is 10 Percent Fair?

Multitudes of people ignore medical warnings that indoor ultra-violet (UV) tanning is unsafe. Perhaps the idea of the U.S. Senate's recent approval to impose a 10 percent tax on tanning services will find many reconsidering this practice. Is the moderate "tanning tax" fair to salon and gym owners? Will the indoor-tanning industry cover the tax or pass it on to the consumer?

"Bo-Tax" Out - Steep "Tanning Tax" in

It is interesting to note; the Senate "tanning tax" reportedly, replaced a proposed 5 percent tax on cosmetic surgery (coined "Bo-tax"). The tanning tax, added to the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009," will take effect in July. Should indoor-tanning be included in the health-care bill and not cosmetic surgery? Read the legislation details here.

Tanning and Cancer - Is There a Link?

From what I understand, the steep tax on tanning services is a result of the government's view on indoor ultra-violet tanning and a link to cancer. The government sees the indoor-tanning levy raising an estimated $2.7 billion in a ten-year period, which it will utilize to offset healthcare costs associated with skin cancer.

In my research, I found an article of interest at WebMD® that states; the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared "...tanning bed use a significant cancer hazard." IARC is an arm of the "World Health Organization," which is a global cancer research group.

Apparently, IARC made a bold announcement last July. The leading research group, who previously classified ultra-violet tanning bed use in terms of being "probably carcinogenic to humans," upped the ante and now claim ultra-violet tanning beds to be "carcinogenic to humans," which is the "highest risk" cancer category. The entire article is available at this link.

I recently read, in 2009 an estimated one million cases of skin cancer, would be diagnosed in this country. Even more disturbing is the idea that indoor UV tanning before the age of 35 raises the risk of melanoma (a deadly form of skin cancer) by 75 percent.

Melanoma is becoming "more common in females 15 - 29," according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Some dermatologists do hint that melanoma in young women is now more prominent in the breast and pubic areas of the body. Could this be because many females tan in the nude?

What about Medical Ultra-Violet Phototherapy

If indeed, UV tanning beds and UV sun lamps can inarguably be linked with deadly skin cancer, why then, are certain disorders like Psoriasis treated with phototherapy? Phototherapy is a ultra-violet light treatment, which is the same light used in a tanning bed.

In many instances, insurance companies will cover the cost of ultra-violet phototherapy performed by a Dermatologist; yet the government is imposing a 10 percent tax on tanning salons that provide ultra-violet services for their customers.

This double-edged sword makes me think about the lopsided law that makes it acceptable to use marijuana for medicinal purpose. Not only is it a law, there are a few individual state-regulated places to purchase it around the country. This is not, however, a federally approved program.

I watched a television show about this last month. I was mortified to discover several of the people that purchased weed, when asked why they needed it, simply stated they were having trouble sleeping. What is wrong with this picture? Fair is not fair in many cases.

Outcome and Tanning Alternative

The outcome of the new federally imposed indoor tanning tax is yet to be uncovered. It does leave us to ponder-who will pick up the tax tab; will you prioritize vanity or health and why not consider a safe method of getting that sexy sun-kissed glow with an airbrushed tan instead?

Sources:

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20091222/AADA-lauds-indoor-tanning-tax-in-the-health-system-reform-legislation.aspx

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20090728/who-tanning-beds-cause-cancer

http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/articles/tax_on_plastic_surgery_gets_ax_in_final_stretch.html