July 13, 2012

Spray On Tans: Are they really a "safe" alternative to tanning beds

If you're looking to get that year-round glow by visiting your local salon to get a "safe" spray tan, you may want to think again. Although you are not being exposed to the dangerous ultraviolet lights used in tanning beds, you may still face significant side effects. ABC News reported that some medical experts believe there may be a link between spray tan chemicals and an increased cancer risk.

According to the panel of medical experts who reviewed ten recent studies for ABC News, "the active chemical used in spray on tans, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), has the potential to cause genetic alterations and DNA damage." When inhaled, DHA can enter the lungs and be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing an increased risk of developing DNA damage and tumors. Experts say that more testing needs to be performed, but initial studies indicate that the warning signs of serious health concerns already exist.

ABC News says that the FDA originally approved DHA in 1977 for external use in such products as rub-on tanning lotions. The organization told ABC that, in the 70s, it never could have anticipated chemical's spray tan use and said, "DHA should not be inhaled or ingested." The FDA warns consumers on its website, "The use of DHA in ?tanning' booths as an all-over spray has not been approved by the FDA, since safety data to support this use has not been submitted to the agency for review and evaluation."

Read the full report on the potential danger of spray tans featured by ABC News.

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