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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiJuly 31, 2026United States

The Health Risks of Tanning Beds and Rising Popularity Among Young Adults

Medical experts are raising concerns about a resurgence in tanning bed use among young adults, driven by social media trends. Research indicates that tanning bed use significantly increases the risk of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, by causing DNA mutations in skin cells.

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Why It Matters

The FDA withdrew a proposed rule in 2025 that would have banned tanning bed use for minors nationwide, leaving regulation to individual states and potentially impacting the health outcomes of young people.

Key Facts

  • More than 100,000 new melanoma cases are projected in the U.S. in 2026, with approximately 8,500 deaths expected.
  • The FDA withdrew a proposed rule in March 2025 that would have barred individuals under 18 from using tanning beds.
  • Tanning bed users have nearly three times the risk of developing melanoma compared to non-users.
  • Tanning beds can emit more than 10 times as much UV light as the sun.
  • Using tanning beds before age 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 47%.
  • The DNA mutation rate in skin cells exposed to tanning beds is more than double that of those exposed only to natural sunlight.
  • The World Health Organization classifies tanning beds as a cancer-causing agent, similar to tobacco and asbestos.
  • California was the first state to ban tanning bed use for minors in 2012; over a dozen states have since followed.
  • A 2025 survey found that over 20% of young adults prioritize tanning over skin protection, and over 50% believe a 'base tan' prevents sunburn.

Who's Mentioned

organizationU.S. Food and Drug Administration“Withdrew a proposed rule to ban tanning bed use for minors.”personDr. Anthony Rossi“Dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.”organizationAmerican Academy of Dermatology“Conducted a 2025 survey on youth attitudes toward sun protection.”organizationWorld Health Organization“Classifies tanning beds as a cancer-causing agent.”personDr. Pedram Gerami“Researcher at Northwestern University studying the cellular effects of tanning b”personSherry Pagoto“Psychologist and professor at the University of Connecticut.”organizationAmerican Cancer Society“Provided statistics on melanoma diagnoses and deaths.”personNichole Sims“A melanoma survivor who began using tanning beds at age 15.”