Ask Dave and Luke: Tanning industry trying to improve image; do we buy it?

MSN reports the tanning industry is saying that the push for sunscreen and scary messages about UV dangers are part of a billion dollar sun scare industry sending the wrong health care messages to consumers.

The industry points out the doctors actually used to work on endorsements for the cigarette companies, and they would try to sell a line that there were health benefits.

Dave Ross says most people going tanning aren’t doing it for health benefits, it’s just cosmetic.

But one Ross and Burbank listener says he actually does go tanning for his health.

Gabe in Gig harbor writes:

I have psoriasis and after 8 months of rain and clouds I am itching and scratching to no end. Aside from medications that hinder my immune system, a tanning bed is my only relief.

“That is fascinating because it actually supports the tanning bed industry’s arguments that there are health benefits,” says Luke Burbank.

Another listener however has a story that definitely points to more negative health impacts.

Stella in Seattle writes:

In 50 years we will wonder why tanning beds were ever legal. I knew a girl who tanned through high school and college. When she was in medical school, she developed cancer in both eyes and had them removed. Then she died.