Tanning Salons Still Popular Despite Health Risks and Taxes

Geo Beats 2013-08-22

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The risk of melanoma associated with tanning salons, along with taxation by the United States government hasn’t stopped young people from using indoor tanning.

The risk of melanoma associated with tanning salons, along with taxation by the United States government hasn’t stopped young people from using indoor tanning facilities.

Melanoma kills more than 9,000 Americans a year.

People under 25 who use tanning booths are particularly vulnerable because the use of tanning services raises their risk of melanoma.

A measure in 2010’s landmark Affordable Care Act included a tax on tanning facilities in an effort to reduce some of the reform bill's 940 billion dollar cost, and to help prevent indoor tanning because of health concerns.

A 10 percent excise tax, and regulations of indoor tanning facilities in 33 states were placed, and their use by minors has been banned in California and Vermont.

The tax was expected to contribute 200 million dollars in the 2011 fiscal year and about 2 point 7 billion by 2019.
Yet according to the treasury's inspector general, the IRS only got 36 point 6 million in the first half of the 2011 fiscal year.

The demand for tanning remains high, and according to James Oliver, CEO of one chain with 53 locations along the east coast, the only thing that's changed is the amount of money customers are willing to spend.

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