The War On Tanning: Healthy Or Dangerous?

OSHTEMO (Newschannel 3) - A dose of indoor sunshine, especially on these dreary Michigan days, is hard to for many suntan lovers to resist.

Now, the indoor tanning industry is launching a high-priced ad campaign, disputing long-standing medical studies that show tanning causes skin cancer.

Here are the stats:

-More than 30 million people tan indoor annually in the United States

-More than two million are teenagers

-One recent study found up to 10 percent of Americans between ages 50 and 64 also visit tanning salons

While many studies have linked indoor tanning to an increased risk of melanoma, the indoor tanning industry says it's all hype. Newschannel 3 found plenty of people coming in to catch some rays at U Tan in Oshtemo.

"I haven't been to the tanner in a while, starting to feel pretty pale," said Katie Fish, who is just starting her Spring visits to a tanner. "It's been dreary outside, it makes me feel better."

Fish says she's heard plenty over the years about the risks associated with tanning - especially the risks of melanoma.

But the tanning industry is doing everything they can to boldly dispute the those risks.

"Definitely true, tanning doesn't cause melanoma," said U Tan Owner Scott Eubanks.

Eubanks says he fully supports the "hype" ads being run by the Indoor Tanning Association, especially promoting the benefits of vitamin D.

But what do dermatologists think about the ads?

"They are launching an entire ad campaign (based) on a small kernel of truth," said Dr. Craig Mohney.

While Dr. Mohney agrees that everyone needs some vitamin D, pushing it by using a campaign like this sends the wrong message.

"It's going to take away the disincentive to not go to tanners, thinking 'I'm safe, getting vitamin D, good, preventing skin cancer'," he said.