DERMATOLOGY NEWS

New Tan Tax Spotlights Connection Between Tanning Beds and Melanoma
July 1 marks the beginning of a new 10 percent federal tax instituted on indoor tanning sessions across the country.  Public health experts hope that the new tax will draw attention to the connection between the use of tanning beds and melanoma, the fastest growing cancer in the United States and worldwide.

 The “tan tax” is a part of the federal health care legislation passed by Congress earlier this year and one of the first implementations of the new law. Sunless tanning products and services are exempt. The tax is expected to generate $2.7 billion over the next 10 years to help cover uninsured Americans. 

 “Few people understand that they are truly gambling with their lives when they step into a tanning bed, and we hope the tax will make people think twice,” said Tim Turnham, executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation. “Just like cigarettes, we expect this tax to impact decision-making, especially among younger users” Read More